This summer, Berkeley welcomed Augustine “Gus” Whyte ’99 as the new Upper Division Director, and for him, the role feels like a homecoming. A Berkeley graduate himself, Whyte describes his years here as “life-changing” and is eager to provide that same transformative experience for today’s students.
Whyte returns with an impressive career in independent schools. He most recently served as the Upper School Principal at Metairie Park Country Day School in New Orleans, where he oversaw major academic initiatives. Before that, he spent over a decade at Pace Academy in Atlanta as both Dean of Students and Mathematics Department Chair. A true lifelong learner, he holds degrees from Williams College, Georgia State University and Vanderbilt University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania.
When asked what brought him back to Berkeley, Whyte didn’t hesitate when saying, “This school helped shape who I am. I want to do everything I can to make sure other students have their own great experience here.” He explained that his time as a Berkeley student gave him the confidence, friendships and sense of purpose that carried him through college and into his career. Now, he feels a deep responsibility to “pay it forward” by helping students discover their own paths.
Outside of school, Whyte is passionate about the outdoors. He has visited all 50 states, every Major League Baseball stadium and nearly every U.S. National Park in the lower 48 states. He enjoys hiking, backpacking and kayaking, and hopes to share his love of nature with students through possible outdoor trips in the future. He believes time spent outdoors can be just as important as time in the classroom, offering students a chance to challenge themselves, work together and step away from the fast pace of daily life.
A math teacher at heart, he’s taught everything from Algebra I to Multivariable Calculus. Whyte also admits he wishes he had pushed himself out of his comfort zone as a student. “If I could go back, I would’ve tried something like theater or music,” he said. He also emphasized how valuable today’s leadership opportunities, such as the Leadership Lab, would have been for him during his days at Berkeley.
When reflecting on his own high school years, Whyte couldn’t choose just one standout memory. Instead, he recalled a “hodgepodge” of great experiences, moments in class, on the sports field and simply hanging out with friends. To him, the strength of a Berkeley education isn’t tied to a single event but to the collection of everyday experiences that, together, shape lasting memories.
Above all, Whyte’s excitement about returning to his alma mater is clear. Optimistic, approachable and student-centered, he brings both experience and heart to his new role. “I feel fortunate that I had so many good memories at Berkeley,” he said. “Now I want to help others create theirs.
