Annual Report
Built for What’s Next
At Johnson & Wales University, being Built for What’s Next means encountering the change with clarity, discipline and purpose. Over the past year, the university has executed strategic initiatives that strengthen our institutional position and prepare students for their future.
Message from the Chancellor
As we reflect on the 2024–25 academic year, I am proud to share how Johnson & Wales University continues to lead with purpose and momentum. This year’s annual report, Built for What’s Next, highlights the innovation, adaptability and student-centered focus shaping our future and redefining what higher education can be.
This year marked several important milestones, including the launch of a three-year bachelor’s degree designed to accelerate opportunity and respond to today’s learners, as well as the strategic merger of the College of Hospitality & Business and the expansion of the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences. Together with initiatives like the JWU Pledge and national recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the Most Innovative Schools, these efforts reflect our continued commitment to access, affordability and interdisciplinary learning as we prepare graduates to lead in a dynamic world.
This is a Community
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online.
An Innovative Educational Leader
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online.
JWU Serves
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online.
Financial Aid
Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina, and through JWU Online.
This is Commitment
Our alumni are investing in the JWU community through diverse careers, dedicated volunteer work or generous philanthropic contributions. Their continued involvement positively impacts the success of current students and strengthens the legacy of our institution.
Areas of Impact
From scholarships to athletics, student organizations or any of JWU’s colleges, charitable donations are put to work universitywide.
- JWU Fund: Gifts to the JWU Fund allow us to respond to emerging needs and invest in ideas. These unrestricted dollars are immediate, flexible and impactful for our students and the university.
- Student Experience: You can direct your support to an area that is uniquely JWU and ensure all students have access to these opportunities. Internships, student organizations, clubs and campus programming all contribute to an industry- focused education that prepares the leaders of tomorrow.
- Athletics: JWU Athletics unites our campus communities and our varsity and club teams to compete with the same passion our students bring to their academic pursuits. Gifts to Athletics support team travel, uniforms, equipment and upkeep of facilities.
- Scholarships & Financial Aid: More than 98% of on-campus JWU students receive a scholarship or financial aid. Whether you establish an endowed scholarship or combine your gift with others in our general scholarship fund or the JWU Pledge, your generosity opens doors and a new world of opportunities.
- Academics: Each of Johnson & Wales’ colleges rely on the support of alumni, corporate sponsors and donors who believe in our mission and our students. Whether in the classroom or in labs, your gift will be used to meet the specific needs of the college or program of your choice.
Giving Societies
The generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and friends of the university is what sustains us year after year. Support from the entire JWU community will help power a bold new era of academic excellence and achievement. To recognize our supporters for their generosity, we’ve established a family of giving societies.
1914 Society
- The 1914 Society honors the many alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends who have included the university in their estate plans, whether through a will, trust, life insurance policy or retirement plan.
Mary & Gertrude Society
- The Mary & Gertrude Society was established in the names of our founders, Gertrude I. Johnson and Mary T. Wales. We are proud to honor them by recognizing our 640 loyal donors who have supported the university for three or more consecutive years.
Epicurean Scholarship Society
- Membership donations and annual contributions to the Epicurean Scholarship Society provide scholarship support that helps to fulfill the aspirations of talented students. Society events — led by guest chefs assisted by JWU students and faculty — include culinary demonstrations, receptions, seated dinners and cocktail gatherings.