Johnson & Wales Media Center

At A Glance

from Rhode Island 1914 to across the United States today
In the early part of the 20th century, Providence, R. I. was not unlike many other mid-sized American cities. It was bustling with people, balancing a fluctuating economy, and developing an identity derived from its diverse citizens and growing industry. It was amidst this environment in 1914 that two women with college degrees in teaching – Gertrude I. Johnson from Central Pennsylvania, and Mary T. Wales from Delaware – established a small business school with one student and one typewriter. Over the coming century, it would evolve into America’s Career University®.

Today, Johnson & Wales University serves more than 16,000 students across the nation. It maintains campuses in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo. and in Charlotte, N.C.

career education
Recognized around the world for its undergraduate programs in culinary arts, food service, culinary nutrition, hospitality, travel and tourism, business and technology, Johnson & Wales University has a strong commitment to specialized business education, while maintaining the high ideals of its founders whose philosophy was “we should teach a thing not for its own sake but as preparation for what lies beyond.” It is an academic institution whose special approaches to career education continue to transform as it responds to the changing needs of business, industry and its students.

The University prepares its students for the “real-world” through specifically created curriculum that meets employers’ needs, along with the practical experience, hands-on internships and co-ops that students are required to complete. Johnson & Wales University works directly with corporations such as Marriott International, Inc., Compass Group North America, and industry to develop programs that deliver the experiential training that prepares its students for their careers.

best fit employment™
All of Johnson & Wales University programs – academic, work experience and career management – are focused on assisting students in achieving Best Fit Employment. Best Fit Employment is the student with the right skills prepared for the right job with the right employer in the right field. In 2006, Johnson & Wales celebrated the 29th year of its 98% employment rate (for day-domestic undergraduate students). That’s the University’s promise to its students seeking employment within 60 days of graduation.

full education
In addition to hands-on, experientially based educational opportunities, the University offers a wide selection of liberal arts courses such as leadership studies, psychology, communication skills, environmental science and ethics. This provides students with all the tools they need to enter the business world and their community at-large with a solid foundation of practical skills and academic knowledge.

post-graduate programs
Students choosing to pursue a master’s degree can do so at the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School, Providence Campus, where their studies can be completed in a single year if they choose an accelerated program. Programs include a Master in Business Administration in Global Business Leadership and in Hospitality; C.A.G.S. in Finance, Human Resources Management and Hospitality; and a certificate in Corporate Security.

Through the School of Education, Johnson & Wales offers a Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. The School also offers a Master of Education degree in Teaching and Learning, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Teacher Education, and a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership. These programs complement the bachelor’s degree programs offered by the School of Education at the Denver Campus. There, students can earn bachelor’s degrees in Business/Marketing Education and Consumer & Family Studies Education.

strong alumni connection
In keeping with its promise to students, Johnson & Wales University is building a strong network with its 60,000 alumni. The University’s Alumni Relations and Career Development Office provide graduates with a link to employers, industry, trends and an opportunity to network. The University boasts of an alumni base employed throughout the restaurant, food service and hospitality industries – celebrated graduates include Television Food Network’s Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence and Michelle Bernstein. Business graduates lead departments and companies with their skills.

strong community relations
Building strong community relations in the cities and states where it has campuses is an important component of the University’s philosophy. Wherever there is a J&W campus, many of the local work forces in the food, restaurant, tourism and hospitality industries are graduates of the University, with many current students also working to gain valuable experience.

More than just building a work force or a restaurant scene, Johnson & Wales has forged solid community relationships as well. In 1996, the university became one of only a small number of institutions of higher learning in the country to make community service learning a graduation requirement. This novel curriculum component, along with the University’s innovative hunger and homelessness initiatives, was recognized as a National Daily Point of Light by President George W. Bush and the Points of Light Foundation in 2001.

Throughout the world, Johnson & Wales University – from its humble beginnings – continues to make a positive impact through its career-focused education.

mission statement
The mission of Johnson & Wales University is to empower its diverse student body to succeed in today’s dynamic world by integrating general education, professional skills and career-focused education. To this end, the University employs its faculty, services, curricula and facilities to equip students with the conceptual and practical tools required to become contributing members of society and to achieve success in employment fields with high-growth potential.

enrollment figures
Charlotte Campus          2,156
Denver Campus             1,544
Florida Campus                2,452
Providence Campus       10,171
total                            16,323*
*Includes full-time, part-time, and graduate school (2005-2006 academic year - Norfolk and Charleston not included.)