Dr. Michael White teaches television and video production, electronic media, and other mass communication courses at Wayne State College. He advises KWSC-TV, the college’s cable television station, serving Wayne and streamed online. White also oversees the KWSC Productions (The Hot Attic), the student video and the short film production studio.
Prior to his doctorate, White’s professional experience included working in both television news and advertising production as an award-winning producer. He has spoken regularly on both marketing and public relations at various conventions in a variety of industries. White is himself an active independent filmmaker. His film “The Ghost in Her” was the grand jury prize runner-up at the Muscatine Independent Film Festival. At the 2020 Iowa Motion Picture Awards, his first full-length feature film, "Ever Fallen," won the Award of Excellence in the Screenplay (Produced) category and the Award of Achievement in the Live Action Entertainment – Long Form (Under $50K) category. "The Ghost in Her" won the Award of Achievement for the Live Action Entertainment – Short Form category.
In 2015, White was chosen as the Siouxland Man of Excellence by Sioux City's Women Aware for his service to children and young people. He is a regular keynote speaker at the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Program in Sioux City. His research interests are in media criticism and media’s influence on male social identity.
White is an accomplished martial artist. He holds a World Taekwondo sixth degree black belt and is in an International Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee. He has had over 100 national and international champions under his instruction. White has also been featured in various national martial arts magazines.
On campus, he is the advisor to the Student Media Club and the organizer of the Wildcat Spirit Film Festival.
Films and Awards
2023 Iowa Motion Picture Doug Hawley Presidents Award for Lifetime Achievement in Film recipient
The Ghost in Her
Flatwater Film Festival - Official Selection
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Short
Muscatine Independent Film Festival - National Finalist
Oneota Film Festival - Official Selection
Prairie Lights Film Festival - Official Selection
Sandy Dennis Film Festival - Official Selection
Sioux City International Film Festival - Official Selection
Siouxland Inspirational Film Festival - Winner
SiouxperCon - Official Selection
Snake Ally Film Festival - Official Selection
Ever Fallen
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Feature
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Excellence for Screenplay
Sandy Dennis Film Festival - Feature Selection
Sioux City International Film Festival - Feature Selection
To Live Again
Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival - Silver Award
Cedar River Film Festival - Official Selection
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Actor
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Director
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Supporting Actress
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Excellence for Best Feature
Spring Grove Caldonia - Best Iowa Filmmaker
A Day with Lily
Cedar River Film Festival - Official Selection
Farm to Fresh Film Festival - Official Selection
Flatwater Film Festival - Official Selection
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Actress
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Screenplay
Muskatine Independent Film Festival - Festival Finalist
Sioux City International Film Festival - Official Selection
Snake Ally Film Festival - Official Selection
The Queen of Pandora’s Box
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Nominee (Best Director)
Muskatine Independent Film Festival - Official Selection
Snake Alley Film Festival - Official Selection
Between the Lines (codirector)
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Editing
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Award of Achievement for Best Feature
The Cross
Iowa Motion Picture Awards - Nominee Best Unproduced Screenplay
Star CIty Film Festival - Winner Best Screenplay
Start City Film Festival - Best Iowa Filmmaker
White Light City Film Festival - Official Selection
