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Calculated Success: Willoughby Caine’s Formula for Excellence
Posted on May 07, 2026 at 19:06 PM
Driven by discipline and determination, Willoughby Caine has already built an impressive academic journey. The Stone Mountain, Georgia, native is graduating from Fort Valley State University with a double major in computer science and mathematics, a rigorous academic track he pursued for himself.
A graduate of Tucker High School, Willoughby entered college through the Cooperative Developmental Energy Program (CDEP), completing 16 credit hours before his first fall semester began. His journey to FVSU, however, was not guaranteed. After applying to several aeronautical institutions, he realized the cost would be beyond his means. Just before a critical deadline, his mother came across CDEP and connected with Ms. McGhee, a moment Willoughby describes as life changing. While sitting in a piano practice room, he received a call from Jackie Hodges, Ed.D., offering him admission and a full scholarship. He began as a computer science major, but he soon realized he wanted to expand his academic experience.
That opportunity came during his first semester through a conversation with Jianmin Zhu, associate professor of mathematics. In his spare time, Willoughby worked on a creative project using mathematical equations to animate a person riding a bicycle on the Desmos graphing calculator. Picture a whiteboard covered in equations as he worked to connect the bike’s wheels and motion through math. When he hit a roadblock, he turned to Zhu for help. As Zhu watched him work through the problem, he thought, “Why isn’t this kid a math major?” Their conversation soon shifted to the possibility of double majoring in mathematics; an idea Willoughby immediately embraced. Zhu challenged him to earn all A’s during his first semester in order to be recommended for the additional major. Willoughby met that challenge and went on to design his own academic roadmap, often carrying 21–22 credit hours per semester. Aside from two B’s, one in physics and one in an energy course, he maintained an otherwise perfect academic record.
Despite his demanding schedule, Willoughby made intentional efforts to grow personally. Once describing himself as reserved, he used his college experience to branch out, build relationships and engage with the Wildcat community. That growth mirrored his academic journey, during which he developed a passion for research, particularly in combinatorics, a field focused on understanding how systems and structures behave under rules. His work in this area has led to opportunities to present research, travel nationally and connect with scholars across disciplines.
Willoughby’s impact on campus extends far beyond academics. He has served as president of the Math Club and the CDEP program, as a choir section leader, as an SGA senator, and as a member of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team. He is also a McNair Scholar and an LSAMP Scholar. He has dedicated himself to helping others succeed, tutoring students in the Math Café as well as working privately with individuals in subjects ranging from SAT preparation to advanced mathematics and physics. Willoughby also served as a teaching assistant for Linear Algebra II, further strengthening his ability to lead and communicate complex concepts.
He encourages other students to take full advantage of those opportunities. “Everyone who attends college should get involved in some sort of research or internship,” Willoughby said. “You need real experience outside of the classroom.” That perspective has guided his own path, allowing him to gain experiences that extend far beyond coursework while building a strong network of mentors and peers.
Willoughby credits many of those mentors for his success, including Heidi Gregg, who gave him his first paid job in education, as well as faculty and staff who consistently challenged and supported him. As a second-generation college student raised in a single-parent household, he also draws inspiration from his mother, a dietician and immigrant from Jamaica, whose persistence helped guide him toward opportunity.
Now, Willoughby is preparing for his next chapter at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he will pursue a Ph.D. in mathematical sciences with a focus on pure mathematics. The program will span five years, beginning with coursework and qualifying exams, followed by advancement to candidacy.
For Willoughby Caine, Fort Valley State University provided more than a degree. It provided the opportunity, support and environment needed to turn ambition into achievement.
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