“Education is a human right with immense power to transform.”
— Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Prize winner

Since 1914, the Johnson & Wales University community has worked with students to transform their aspirations and goals into reality. Education IS transformative; the role of JWU faculty and staff is transformational. We take that responsibility very seriously. Students from 50 states and 96 countries have selected JWU for its unique experiential education approach. Yet, each student goes through a metamorphosis of his or her own, from enrollment through graduation. Some attribute their transformation to a faculty or staff interaction (see pg. 42), others to study abroad — their introduction to a different culture and lifelong friendships (see pg. 17). Still others cite intensive labs, small class sizes, and the ability to gain experience in their field as they pursue their degree (see pg. 44). For many, community service, internships or flexing their leadership skills through on-campus activities and national clubs and organizations, rise to the top of the list.

Opportunities for learning and growth abound at JWU. Our students graduate with more than a degree; they are transformed by education and exposured to new ideas, people and places. Even before they embark on their careers, they make an impact. During the 2008–2009 academic year alone, JWU students performed nearly 160,000 hours of community service. This, coupled with JWU’s economic effect (see pg. 29), is proof of our larger role in transforming our local and regional communities.

Upon graduation our students join the network of more than 80,000 JWU alumni across the nation and around the world who have undergone similar transformations. Our alumni are enriching organizations and neighborhoods and impacting the fields of business, hospitality, culinary, technology and education, with their passion, drive and knowledge.

JWU’s strategic plan, FOCUS 2011, is strengthening JWU. We’re focused on making a difference in the short term, and transforming those things that endure and make a difference over the long term. We’re transforming our great institution by directing our resources and collective energies to ensure future generations benefit from the best education experience possible.

University President John J. Bowen ’77