Campus Life | March 25th, 2025
Will Packer Returns to FAMU for Exclusive Book Talk
By: Ashton Johnson | Copy Desk Chief
If anyone knows how to turn a dream into a blockbuster when it comes to powerhouse producer Will Packer, his journey from a Florida A&M student to a Hollywood mogul proves that with determination, talent and perseverance, you can rewrite any script.
The acclaimed producer and storyteller is set to return to the highest of seven hills for an exclusive book talk highlighting his hit project off the big screen, his first book, Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big.
On Thursday, March 27, at noon, the praised filmmaker known for making movies like Think Like A Man, Girls Trip and Straight Outta Compton will return to his alma mater for an engaging conversation under the FAMU Psychology Department as part of Black Psychology Theme Week and the annual Imhotep Interdisciplinary Research Conference.
Packer is bringing his signature energy and wisdom back to FAMU for a conversation that promises to be as inspiring as the stories he tells on screen.
Hosted at the Charles Winter Wood Theatre and moderated by SGA Vice President Dakarai Williams, his godson, the event will provide an engaging discussion on Packer’s journey, the themes of resilience and self-belief in his book and the power of storytelling that shapes the culture.
Excited to welcome Packer back to the hill, Williams is also inspired by the book, which motivates him to keep going, whether for his community, music, getting through school or his professional goals.
“Realistically, we always think about maybe this person has this or has that. They succeed cause they have this, but in reality, we all have the same tools in order to succeed. We just have to unlock that healthy arrogance,” the fourth-year psychology student said.
“We have to unlock the fact that who better than us to actually make these things happen, and once you start believing in yourself, all those things can come into fruition.”
To go along with the special event, free copies of the New York Times Bestseller book sponsored by the President’s Office and Office of Student Affairs will be available and given out to attendees.
Vice President of Student Affairs William Hudson Jr, Ph.D., says this event is a great opportunity for students to engage with FAMU’s alums and showcase how success is not a straight and narrow path.
“I think that this book has a lot of knowledge that our students can use, specifically from an alumni who graduated from FAMU, who is a FAMUAN but has also gone through the struggles of coming to college and making decisions and then being successful. Success didn’t happen immediately. It took time,” Hudson said.
“And to know the experience that Will Packer went through to gain his success is invaluable to our students because they can take positive experiences that he had and incorporate them into their lives. Will started off as an engineering major but went into the film industry, so he didn’t let anyone deter his dreams, and that’s something we instill in our FAMU students. Whatever your dreams are, you can accomplish them through FAMU.”
Whether you are a future entrepreneur, aspiring creative or just looking for a dose of motivation, this book talk is an opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential voices in the industry.
Get ready to turn the page on an unforgettable event with Will Packer that you do not want to miss!
