Michael Whalen

Michael Whalen is the Knight-Ridder/San Jose Mercury News Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds an M.F.A. in Film/TV Directing from UCLA and a B.A. in Communication from SCU. His career spans over 30 years in film production, focusing on documentaries that explore social issues, cultural dynamics, and historical narratives.

Whalen's research interests include global media production, documentary storytelling, and the intersection of art with social justice. He leads the SCU Entertainment Industry Group, connecting students with industry professionals. Notable films include Gringos at the Gate (2012), examining US-Mexico relations through soccer, and A Question of Habit (2011), which redefines perceptions of Catholic nuns.

He has received over 20 awards including the Accolade, BEA, and REMI Awards. Current projects include a five-part documentary series on the American Catholic Church and the docudrama Can’t Thread a Moving Needle addressing campus sexual assaults.

Teaching courses range from digital filmmaking to Hollywood business studies. Whalen’s works have aired on PBS, ESPN, and international film festivals, blending academic rigor with creative storytelling.