Mass Communications Faculty

James P. Dolhon is a Professor of Speech Communication and Co-Chair of the Speech Program. He has served the institution for nineteen years, teaching the basics of human communication in many ways and forms. Alongside the traditional student population, Dr. Dolhon also works with students who manifest learning differences through the Academic Skills Center, non-traditional adult learners through the Life Long Learning Center, as well as reticent students within the Speech Program.

Dr. Dolhon received his B.A. from the University of Scranton in Communication, with a minor in psychology. He procured his M.A. from Columbia University, Teacher's College in Communication, Computing, & Technology in Education. And he was awarded his PhD from The Pennsylvania State University in Speech Communication. His graduate work afforded him the opportunity to explore twin concentrations in both intrapersonal and mediated communication.

Karen Mercincavage is Associate Technical Professor and heads the Visual and Brand Communications track in the Mass Communications Department. She received her B.A. in Advertising from The Pennsylvania State University, her M.A. in Communication Arts from Marywood University, and her Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Mercincavage is a member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF), Northeast Pennsylvania; AIGA, the professional association for design; International Communication Association (ICA) and National Communication Association (NCA). She is a member of the King's College Media Board, advisor for InHouse Design club, co-advisor for the national honor society, and co-advisor for The Crown.

Dr. Mercincavage's communications background includes graphic design experience in newspaper, advertising, and health communication. She continues working as a freelance graphic designer and has collaborated with businesses and college faculty to produce targeted communications materials for local and national publication. She is a freelance designer for CSS Industries, Inc., a national manufacturer of seasonal consumer products distributed to large retail chains.

Scott J. Weiland, Ph.D. is the Chair of the Mass Communications department and an Associate Professor of Mass Communications at King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he heads the Broadcast and Social Media track. Prior to his arrival at King's College he served as an instructor at Marywood University and Penn State University Worthington Scranton, teaching courses in mass communications, leadership, and marketing. Dr. Weiland held mass communications and leadership roles in several key organizations, including service as Vice President of Operations and Communications Director of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. His mass communications background includes leadership roles in broadcast communications, social media, and integrated marketing communications.

Dr. Weiland's research interests include the growth of social media in mass communications, web video as a social media tool, leadership communications, the use of service learning in mass communications, and others. He authored the paper "Social media tipping point or economic remorse?", which was published in the Journal of Mass Communication and Journalism. He co-authored the papers "What's real about reality television?,"Non-Profits VS For-Profits in the Game of Social Media: Critical Observations and Reflections, and "Student Athletes' Perceptions of Concussions through Media Consumption, which were also published in the Journal of Mass Communication and Journalism. "

He is an editorial board member of the Journal of Mass Communications and Journalism, and he serves on the Marywood University Alumni Association Board and several others. Dr. Weiland also serves as a communications consultant, working with for-profits and non-profits to enhance their operations, leadership, and mass communications through a variety of methods, including integrated marketing communications, strategic planning, and marketing strategies. He received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Marywood University, a Master of Science degree from Kutztown University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from King's College.

Dr. Weiland resides in Clarks Summit, PA with his wife, Sunny and their son, Scott Alexander.