JWU and Bloomin’ Brands Establish Educational Partnership
Story by JWU Media Relations , on Aug 20, 2018 11:57 AM
PRESS RELEASE
Providence, R.I. - August 20, 2018 – As universities nationwide continue to support the global demand for an educated workforce, the College of Online Education at Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is building its corporate partnerships, most recently with Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLMN). This newly established partnership will enable the company’s 94,000 employees the opportunity to better afford a college education.
JWU and the international restaurant group—which includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar—will offer employees a reduced tuition rate to all of the university's undergraduate and graduate programs offered through the College of Online Education, as well as its Providence Campus’ Continuing Education undergraduate programs and master’s degree programs. JWU’s online offerings include bachelor degrees in culinary arts and food service management, restaurant, food & beverage management, and hospitality management, and master’s degree programs in hospitality management, finance, and business administration.
“We are an industry of opportunity and we’re proud to help team members expand their growth in both their careers and personal lives,” said Pablo Brizi, chief human resources officer for Bloomin’ Brands. “We appreciate this partnership and Johnson & Wales University’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of culinary professionals.”
“Johnson & Wales University is recognized worldwide for its depth of academic programs related to food and hospitality," said Cindy Parker, Ed.D., dean of the College of Online Education. “Through online learning, Bloomin’ Brands employees around the globe now have access to these programs and others including business, technology, human resources, and health science.”
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Bloomin’ Brands is one of the world’s largest casual dining companies with close to 1,500 restaurants throughout 48 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and 19 countries.
About JWU
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 14,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its four campuses in Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, design and engineering, education, health and wellness, hospitality, nutrition and physician assistant studies. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal and intellectual growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 124 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT: Miriam Weinstein, director of communications & media relations, 401-598-1157