Shaping the Queen City through 20 Years of Innovative Education

Reflecting on Two Decades of Impact

Upon its founding, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) embarked on a journey with the Charlotte community, laying the foundation for a bright future at the nexus of food, beverage, health, wellness and beyond.

Johnson & Wales was brought to the Queen City in 2004 to raise the food and beverage scene in a town known primarily as a banking center. Together with pragmatic partners and strategic visionaries, the university helped change the landscape.

Only in Charlotte could so many partners come together so quickly to build a college campus, complete with all the necessary infrastructure, while maintaining strong community support. Johnson & Wales was please to welcomed 200 more students than expected that inaugural year. Today, JWU continues to thrive, with the community relying on it to meet the needs of its growing population and demands of its evolving workforce.

Growing a University in a Community-Focused City

People are at the heart of Johnson & Wales. It’s leaders, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and advisory council all come together to drive the university’s mission to prepare students not for entry-level jobs, but for long-term success in their chosen careers.

Faculty are essential to the institution—but it goes well beyond the classroom. While faculty bring their expertise and knowledge, they also need to bring their empathy and understanding into the classroom. On Johnson & Wales’ Charlotte Campus, with a large population of first-generation college students, it’s important for faculty to meet students where they are and provide one-on-one or small group support to help each student build a strong, personalized foundation. JWU faculty and staff go the extra mile by offering academic resources and opportunities outside the classroom, like clubs, volunteer and civic engagements and athletics, to enhance their college experience.

In a community-focused city like the Queen City, a culture of caring is crucial. Students build confidence by working, interning, and participating in cultural events, which help them connect with the community and create a strong foundation for both them and the city. And the personal connections made through experiences with alumni, many of whom are entrepreneurs, makes all the difference. At Johnson & Wales, you often see alumni honored and eager to return to campus to speak with students, excited to share their real-world experiences with them.

“It’s a giving environment. It continues to astound me how much that strengthens the whole—the whole being, the whole university and the whole community.” shares Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus President, Richard Mathieu, Ph.D.

“I’m truly inspired by our students. Their open minds and eagerness to learn, often with perspectives I hadn’t considered, make me proud. Each student brings unique experiences that our faculty build upon, helping them shine. Our faculty and staff look to engage our students in so many creative ways to spark their interests and encourage their eagerness and curiosity to learn more. And the way students and faculty interact makes learning look fun—it makes me want to go back to college!”

Preparing Students for Real-World Success

Johnson & Wales has always responded to community needs by leveraging its strengths. Its programs continue to evolve to meet industry demands in food, beverage, hospitality, and wellness. It’s the university’s commitment to hands-on learning, where innovation, collaboration, and well-being converge, that truly sets Johnson & Wales apart.

President Mathieu is a firm proponent of the university’s industry-responsive approach, "I believe there is a strong demand for experiential education, which goes beyond training—it's about real learning. We're not just training students to be nurses, chefs, or accountants; we're teaching them to be problem solvers and critical thinkers through hands-on experiences. Our community needs people who see challenges as opportunities, and at JWU, we equip students with the tools to create solutions in a practical, hands-on environment.”

Colleges and universities need to prepare students for real-world jobs and community contributions. Johnson & Wales’ diverse student body reflects the workforce, creating an ideal setting to simulate real-life work situations with various perspectives and resources.

Mathieu continues “Building on the strength of our community partners and alumni we coordinate opportunities for thought leaders to have conversations with our students during our campus job fairs and professional forums and provide internships and job shadowing experiences. These are the times that are electrifying to observe as president of the university—seeing students making worthwhile connections, building their “brand”. JWU also equips students with customer service, interview, and resume techniques—all starting on day one of their college experience and building each semester through graduation.”

Navigating an Evolving Higher Education Landscape

Education is changing as technology evolves from AI software to digital classrooms. How we teach and learn needs to adapt to these changes as well. Access to information is shifting, and JWU is committed to staying ahead of these advancements.

President Mathieu welcomes this evolution, “Today, we stand proud of our students, faculty, staff, community partners and alumni who have not only met but exceeded those early expectations, transforming the region and enriching countless lives.

As we celebrate our past achievements, we look forward with excitement and unwavering commitment to the next 20 years of being Wildcat strong and community driven.”