Florida A&M University Names Laterras R. Whitfield as the 2025 Summer Commencement Speaker
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) announces Laterras R. Whitfield, CEO of Whitfield Films; as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Summer Commencement Ceremony scheduled Friday, August 1 at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium. Whitfield is a 3x Emmy-nominated producer, cinematographer, national playwright, and director who is most celebrated as the host of the award-winning, top-rated, always trending, and often viral relationship podcast, Dear Future Wifey.
“We are elated to welcome Mr. Whitfield to serve as our summer commencement orator,” says FAMU Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., who will preside over the ceremony. “His message on the importance of healthy relationships has inspired a new generation of young people to believe in the power of purposeful partnerships. We look forward to his keynote remarks to empower and remind our graduates to cherish and maintain the friendships they’ve cultivated during their time on the Highest of Seven Hills.”
Conceived in 2020, Whitfield debuted the Dear Future Wifey Podcast as a transformative tool to heal his own relationship struggles and chronicle his personal mission to “Discover, Uncover and Recover Love.” The show, rapidly, began topping charts and garnering international attention, thanks to the safe space it created for guests to share their truths, vulnerability and lived experiences that are relatable to viewers on their quest for love and fulfillment - whether they be in the early or prolonged stages of dating, soon-to-be or already married, or still healing from divorce and loss. The 2023 winner of two Telly awards has welcomed conversations with some of the culture’s most notable celebrities, influential personalities, and trending voices, who show up to tell their stories in ways that audiences wouldn’t normally expect or even hear about.
Prior to the podcast, Whitfield brought his storytelling prowess to the stage, producing and scripting national stage plays that have left audiences in awe. Productions like "What Men Don’t Tell," "Issues: We All Got ‘Em," "By Any Means Necessary," "Tell It to the Judge," and "Guilty Until Proven Innocent," have featured star-studded casts, from beloved vocalists like Lenny Williams, Dottie Peoples, Shirley Murdock, Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore, Dave Hollister, K-Ci and JoJo and Ralph Tresvant, to notable actors including Kim Fields, Darrin Henson, Vanessa Williams and more. Each production showcased Whitfield’s ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences and tackled powerful themes that explore the human experience.
“Delivering the commencement address at Florida A&M University is truly one of the greatest honors of my life," shares Whitfield. "As someone who never had the opportunity to attend college, I’ve always dreamed of standing before a graduating class to celebrate the journey of higher learning and affirm the value of education, whether found in a classroom or through the university of life. I've built my career on passion, purpose and persistence, and it’s humbling to now pour into students who have equipped themselves with both knowledge and community. I pray my words will inspire them to boldly pursue their dreams, cherish their relationships and lead lives rooted in intention and authenticity.”
Approximately 400 students from the University’s 14 schools and colleges will receive their degrees during the summer ceremony. It will be live-streamed on FAMU Facebook and on YouTube at @FAMUTube1887. Watch and listen to the Dear Future Wifey podcast by subscribing on YouTube, or by listening on Urban One Podcast Network and everywhere podcasts are heard. Also, follow the Dear Future Wifey movement on Instagram: @DearFutureWifeyPodcast and @LaterrasRWhitfield.
Media Contact:
Alonda Thomas
(850) 599-3413
alonda.thomas@famu.edu
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