News

9 JWU Faculty to Applaud So Far This Fall

Annie Kennedy
31 October 2024

Faculty excellence is nothing new to Johnson & Wales University, and we'd like to spotlight just a few of our faculty and their recent accomplishments, as well as a roundup of spaces where JWU faculty have recently published works.

Karyn Jimenez-Elliott

a photo of Karyn Jimenez-Elliott holding up the NE Patriots poster she designed An associate professor in JWU’s Graphic Design program, Jimenez-Elliott brought her decades of design industry skills to a new playing field: that of the New England Patriots. In collaboration with Jimenez-Elliott and other New England artists, the Patriots are releasing an exclusive game day poster series to commemorate home games during the 2024 season. Only 275 of the officially licensed posters will be printed for each game, making them attractive to art collectors and sports fans alike.

“As part of the process, I was asked to select 2-3 players from a list they gave me,” reports Jimenez-Elliott. “I absolutely love drawing and incorporating texture, so the minute I saw Rhamondre Stevenson's hair, it was a no-brainer who I was selecting. I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity and hope Rhamondre approves of my illustration and perhaps will sign a few for me.”

You can find her poster on display and available for purchase at the stadium for the Patriots' home game against the Los Angeles Chargers on December 29, 2024, and you can explore more of her portfolio on Karyn's website.

Samantha Rosenthal

College of Health & Wellness Professor Samantha Rosenthal appeared on the October 25, 2024 edition of Public Health Out Loud, a podcast exploring public health concerns and issues affecting Rhode Islanders. Rosenthal and Cynthia Roberts from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence joined host Philip Chan to discuss intimate partner violence, its root causes, those most affected and how to support survivors in the community. You can listen to the episode here.

“It is a privilege to spread the word in our communities about the suffering and long-term impacts of intimate partner violence,” Rosenthal states. “It is all too prevalent, disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, and a better understanding of the issue can lead to less stigma, more people coming forward and more survivors getting the support they need.”

Dan Bazzinotti '06

a black-and-white photo taken from behind of Dan Bazzinotti teaching a culinary class An instructor in JWU’s College of Food Innovation & Technology with a storied career as executive chef of Eataly Boston and flagship restaurant Terra and most recently head chef of the New York-based Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, Dan Bazzinotti has made a name for himself on the culinary scene — but his priority is helping neurodiverse students avoid his own past struggles. He was recently profiled in the Boston Globe with this advice to future chefs about discovering and understanding your own learning style: “Explain that to your teachers and instructors, so that they can help you better.”

He continued in the article: “I think that, when I was in school, they had one way of teaching. If you didn’t learn that way, then you weren’t a good student. Now, at Johnson & Wales, I work with accessibility advisers every day.”

Of his current work as a culinary instructor at JWU, Bazzinotti states, “Teaching has always been the best part of being a chef for me — sharing my love and passion for cooking with the next generation of aspiring chefs and culinary professionals.”

December 2024 update: JWU's Faculty Feature Chef Bazzinotti highlights how he combines what he took away from his own learning style with invaluable industry experience to train dynamic and driven food professionals of tomorrow in the below video.

Caitlin Lofton

a photo of Caitlin Lofton holding her NCNA award Accelerated Second Bachelor's Degree in Nursing associate professor and clinical coordinator Caitlin Lofton was recognized by the North Carolina Nurses Association at its 2024 annual convention, receiving the Outstanding Service Award. This award is given to a nurse member who demonstrates persistent and extended commitment to the promotion and advancement of NCNA and depicts an awareness of NCNA’s values and goals in both the education and practice arenas.

“I am honored to be the recipient of the NCNA Outstanding Service Award,” Lofton says. “Service is the very foundation of the profession of nursing, so in a way it feels like I am being acknowledged for merely performing my role as a professional Registered Nurse. Nevertheless, I am truly humbled to be recognized for my contributions to NCNA and the profession of nursing, and I hope it inspires others to continue to do their best to serve in the capacity that best meets their interests and the needs of the communities they attend.”

Kathy Drohan

a group photo taken on a sidewalk in Providence College of Hospitality Management professor Kathy Drohan led a group of 38 students helpers at Providence's annual Gloria Gemma 5K downtown to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.

The group she coordinated included eight Intro to Hospitality students and 30 student-athletes — one of whom, a JWU wrestler, was receiving cancer treatments at the time of last year's Gloria Gemma event and this year got to participate in giving back to a similar effort.

“Personally, I believe that it's important to be engaged in the community where we live,” Drohan says. “I try to share that message with my students. The Gloria Gemma 5k is for an important cause, and our JWU students have always shown up to support this event."

Rebecca Simon

a photo of Rebecca Simon holding up her PBN award College of Health & Wellness professor and associate dean Rebecca Simon received the 2024 Providence Business News Leaders and Achievers Award, which highlights outstanding individuals across Rhode Island for their accomplishments. Simon co-developed Rhode Island’s inaugural Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, which has tripled in size over the last five years thanks in part to Simon identifying opportunities for collaboration.

“I’m very proud of all of the departments and programs within the College of Health & Wellness and feel that each one of them has the opportunity to grow and meet the needs of individuals and communities in Rhode Island and beyond,” says Simon.

“JWU is so lucky to have talented faculty and students who are leaders and achievers in their own right. I look forward to continuing to mentor and grow alongside them as we evolve as a college,” she continues.

Jonathan Poyourow

a photo of Chef Jonathan Poyourow smiling as he addresses a student in the kitchen College of Food Innovation & Technology professor Jonathan Poyourow has a long history, dating back to his service as a dietitian in the U.S. Army, of providing nutritional needs. This semester, Poyourow led JWU Providence’s launch of a teaching kitchen, collaborating with JWU’s College of Health & Wellness to host events focusing on different flavor profiles. In the teaching kitchen’s first event, JWU faculty and students taught culinary techniques to attendees from various healthcare sectors, introducing them to flavor profiles from different cultures.

“Launching the teaching kitchen at JWU has been a profoundly enriching experience,” Poyourow states. “It embodies our commitment to 'learning by doing' and provides a unique platform where future culinary and healthcare professionals can collaborate. This initiative not only equips our students with the essential skills needed in their careers but also fosters a deeper understanding of culinary nutrition and its impact on community health. I believe that this innovative learning environment will inspire our students to create meaningful changes in the food and health sectors while also directly benefiting our local communities.”

Lisa Foster

a photo of Lisa Foster, right, being presented with an NCNA award An assistant professor in JWU’s Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing program, Lisa Foster was recognized by the North Carolina Nurses Association at its 2024 annual convention, receiving the Mentorship in Nursing Award. This award is presented to those who participate consistently in an active role with the organization at the local, state and national levels; model the values, attitudes and behaviors consistent with the profession; provide nurturing and education regarding involvement in NCNA to new and potential members; and demonstrate significant leadership in efforts that support retention of members.

“All other award winners had been notified of their award, but because NCNA knew I would be attending the conference, they decided to surprise me with this award,” Foster shares.

“When I heard my name called, I was honestly shocked! I am incredibly humbled by the recognition and honored to serve my profession each and every day.”

Timothy Howes

a headshot of College of Business Associate Professor Tim Howes College of Business associate professor Tim Howes is often approached by the media for commentary. Most recently, Howes was asked to share his expertise for a WPRI Channel 12 article and video on the potential future of the Providence Place Mall, explaining that retail stores tend to have the highest sales per square foot and pay a premium for that space and correlating that with how traffic and spending per spare foot drives inventory of luxury brands.

Howes posited that a big departure from an anchor store could have ripple effects on smaller stores, causing them to reevaluate their tenancy.

"I always appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective with the media on business issues facing the region,” Howes states.

Recent JWU Faculty Publications

a photo of the spines of books on a shelf Our faculty publish a variety of works to contribute findings, share insight, bring research into the classroom, obtain feedback from industry peers, document the development of disciplines, qualify for external funding, captivate readers and more.