From the University President

Dear Friends:

Johnson & Wales University is approaching the mid-point of our strategic plan, FOCUS 2011, and with every step we take we are strengthening our role as a renowned leader in career education. Since 1914 JWU has remained a pioneer in higher education. The common thread throughout our 94-year history is that we not only prepare our graduates to launch and advance in their chosen careers, we also give them a full university experience that makes them more complete individuals.

We are very proud of our focus. While educating for the sake of pure knowledge has traditionally been the approach in higher education, we at JWU have always recognized the importance of melding academics, hands-on training, relevant work experiences, leadership training and career development. Since its inception JWU has been outcomes oriented. More than 80,000 of our alumni from 140 countries have entered their professions equipped with the practical knowledge as well as the critical thinking and business management skills that position them for successful career progression.

No matter where you live in the world, each of you reading this knows knowledge is the dominant currency and education is continuous. We are living in dynamic times, and JWU cannot afford to lag behind. The United States Department of Labor states that today’s learners will have 10 to 14 jobs before their 38th birthday. In fact, many of today’s college majors didn’t exist 10 years ago. We are currently preparing students for jobs and technologies that don’t yet exist, to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet. What should they study 10 years from now? These are questions we have to keep in mind as we move forward to be the destination of choice for career-focused students.

In this interconnected world, it is essential we prepare students to excel in a global marketplace. JWU enjoys a diverse student body of more than 16,000 representing all 50 states and 89 countries. I ask all of you – alumni, employers, faculty, staff and university friends – to work with us to prepare the next generation of JWU professionals, who will become the innovators and leaders of the future.

The areas of FOCUS have and will reposition JWU in the hearts and minds of our constituents, streamline enrollment, address affordability, expand donor recognition and support, and create innovative and distinctive new academic, student life and experiential education offerings. Together, these constitute a broad vision and a bold agenda. Achieving this won’t always be easy. Neither will it happen quickly or without hard, diligent work — and our shared commitment. But, I am committed to it, because I believe nothing less befits an institution such as ours.

As always, we welcome your thoughts, comments and ideas.

University President John J. Bowen ’77

Past Letters
Fall ’07 (288KB PDF)
Winter ’08 (225KB PDF)
Spring ‘08 (137KB PDF)

Prior to its integration into the redesigned JWU Magazine, From the University President was an online and print newsletter.