WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., is currently the chief academic officer at Saint Peter’s University, a Jesuit sister institution in New Jersey.

University of Scranton president Joseph G. Marina, S.J., announced that WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., has been named provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective July 2026.

Dr. Zhu was selected following a highly competitive national search and will join the president’s cabinet, providing academic and strategic leadership to advance the University’s mission.

Working closely with deans and faculty, the provost helps guide the development of curricula and directs academic programming across the University’s three colleges. The provost is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the academic division’s budget; undergraduate and graduate programs; teaching and research activities; the University’s library; and the faculty.

Dr. Zhu comes to Scranton from Saint Peter’s University, a Jesuit sister institution in New Jersey, where he has served in numerous academic leadership roles since being hired in 2007.

He is currently the interim vice president for academic affairs at Saints Peter’s. Since assuming this role in August 2024, he has guided Saint Peter’s through a period of significant institutional evolution, creating its newest strategic plan, restructuring academic departments for mission-aligned relevance and infusing Ignatian values into faculty development, core revision and high-impact practices.

“Dr. Zhu brings a breadth of experience and mission-centered leadership to The University of Scranton,” Father Marina said in a community email announcing the hire. “He is a deeply accomplished academic leader and scholar whose record and achievements reflect both intellectual distinction and a deeply humanistic approach to higher education, especially in a Catholic and Jesuit setting.”

Beyond his recent work as chief academic officer at Saint Peter’s, he was the co-director and later director of its Center for Microplasma Science and Technology from 2009-2018; chair of the Department of Applied Science and Technology, 2014-2018; vice president and briefly president of the faculty senate, 2016-2018; and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, 2018-2024.

As a dean, Dr. Zhu led the largest college at Saint Peter’s, focusing on academic innovation and financial and strategic stewardship. Earlier, as department chair, he helped establish new academic concentrations, implement revised curricula and enhance lab-based learning for biochemistry, biotechnology and physics programs, as well as dual-degree engineering partnerships.

Dr. Zhu helped secure more than $2 million in research grants and the establishment of the federally funded Center for Microplasma Science and Technology. Through collaborations with partner institutions, Dr. Zhu mentored high school, undergraduate and graduate students, helping develop future scientists.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Zhu was born in China. He came to the U.S. to pursue a doctoral degree at Stevens Institute of Technology. He credits his personal journey, including early challenges with language and cultural adjustments, for shaping his compassionate, community-focused approach to leadership.

Dr. Zhu earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Education and a Master of Engineering in Material Science and Engineering from Soochow University in China. He also holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Stevens Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the 18-month Ignatian Colleagues Program, which included formative experiences such as a silent retreat at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat Center in Colorado and an immersion trip to Lima, Peru.

An accomplished researcher and scholar in plasma physics, he holds two patents in the United States and six in China, and has had numerous peer-reviewed journal and conference publications.

MEGA Events will present “The Princess Concert” on July 18 at 3:30 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.  The concert, which will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, features the music from classics like “Frozen,” “Wicked,” “Moana, “Beauty and the Beast,” and many more.

Audiences can prepare for a show-stopping performance with tributes to iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including; “The Wizard of Oz,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” “Anastasia,” “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and even pop favorites like Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rachel Platte.

Stars of “The Princess Concert” have performed on the West End, ITV, and even for members of Royalty!  With an incredible response and sold-out shows across the country, this show will create magical memories, share stunning musical moments, and spread joy to all who attend.  

The Princess Concert will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 2:30 PM. 

 Tickets start at for $33.85 for ages 2-15 and $39.85 for ages 16 and up (includes fees) and free for children under 2 if seated on a lap.  Prices are subject to change. Top price tickets include one complimentary piece of merchandise per purchased ticket.  

Tickets will be available for purchase on March 11 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Johnson College will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. 

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services.

Same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs. 

To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. 

Kevins Worldwide is hosting the 1st Annual Pine Brook Business Blood Drive on April 7th starting at 10:15 AM.

Kevins Worldwide is bringing together local businesses on and around Capouse Ave. to support the American Red Cross and help address the ongoing need for blood donations in our community. We’re inviting neighboring businesses to participate by encouraging employees to donate.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in their parking lot. Those interested in donating will get an assigned donation slot time . Donation times run approximately 15 minutes.

They invite Pine Brook businesses to participate, encourage employee involvement, and stand alongside them in supporting this cause. 

Contact Chris Davis at Kevins Worldwide to sign up for a donation time. Email Chris at Chris.Davis@KevinsWW.com or by phone at 570-207-9837.

Barry Isett & Associates (Isett) has been named a Top Workplace by The Morning Call for the 14th consecutive year, earning a milestone distinction in 2026 as the #1 ranked medium‑sized business (125–499 employees) in the Lehigh Valley.

The Top Workplaces award is based entirely on feedback from associates collected through an anonymous, third‑party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey measures key aspects of the employee experience, including feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it comes directly from our associates,” said Andrew Lawler, President & COO of Isett. “Being named a Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, and ranked number one this year, is a testament to our people and the culture we continue to build together. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team as we grow and enrich the communities we serve.”

The achievement was celebrated at The Morning Call’s Top Workplaces Awards Ceremony on Thursday, February 26, at ArtsQuest in Allentown, where Isett was represented by Jennifer Duddy, Talent Acquisition Specialist; Teresa Rivera, Marketing & Proposal Coordinator; Marcus Rivera, Staff Environmental Scientist; and Lawler.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure employees have a voice and are heard. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Isett has been recognized as a Top Workplace every year since the program’s inception, underscoring the firm’s long‑standing commitment to fostering a workplace rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared values.

Jay White, the #1 Neil Diamond tribute artist, will bring his Sweet Caroline Tour to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on June 10 at 7:30 PM.

White has performed more than 10,000 concerts spanning three decades around the world reflecting the stage persona of an American Music Legend. Conceived in response to Mr. Diamond’s retirement from the concert stage and the huge demand from audiences worldwide to enjoy the music of the Rock N° Roll Hall of Fame icon in a live music setting, Jay and the dynamic Sweet Caroline Tour Band pays homage to Neil Diamond by performing the hits and beloved gems you know and love with the same energy and artistry Neil delivered over his incredible 50 year career.

The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:30 PM. Tickets start at $39.00 including fees. Prices are subject to change.

Tickets will be available for purchase on February 27 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.

For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.