Meet Our President Charlotte Campus
President Mathieu of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is committed to shaping a thriving, residential campus community that fosters an environment where students, faculty, and staff can flourish. The university delivers academic programs with clear, demonstrable outcomes that prepare our graduates for leadership roles in a dynamic economy.
He is passionate about JWU Charlotte’s unique positioning at the intersection of food, hospitality, health, and wellness—driving innovation, research, and community impact. By emphasizing experiential learning, career-focused pathways, and active engagement inside and outside the classroom, we ensure that our students are well-prepared to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to society.
Recognizing that excellence begins with people, Mathieu prioritizes investing in the development of our faculty and staff, empowering them to excel as educators, mentors, and leaders. Together, they are creating a bold, sustainable future for the institution, one that is financially strong, operationally innovative, and deeply rooted in our commitment to student and community success.
Passionate about serving his community, Mathieu is an active board member of Charlotte Center City Partners and The Market at 7th Street, a community associate of Community Matters, and a member of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality & Tourism Alliance.
Prior to JWU, Mathieu served as Dean of the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, where he expanded academic programs, grew leadership initiatives, and raised significant funds to support university facilities. He has also held academic leadership roles at James Madison University and Saint Louis University.
An accomplished scholar with over 40 research publications, Mathieu holds degrees from the University of Virginia (Ph.D., M.S.) and the University of Delaware (B.S.). A Charlotte resident for over a decade, he enjoys spending time with his family.
At JWU Charlotte, we believe learning should be lived so every student is prepared to succeed and lead in a rapidly changing world.”
A Message from President Mathieu
Welcome to Johnson & Wales University!
As President of JWU Charlotte, I’m proud to welcome you to our vibrant and supportive community.
At Johnson & Wales, we prepare students for career success in a rapidly changing world by combining practical knowledge with hands-on experience. Each of our academic programs are designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce. Given our longstanding track record in career preparation, JWU Charlotte was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading Best Value Regional Colleges in the South.
JWU Charlotte is committed to being leaders in the convergence of food, hospitality and health & wellness. Through strategic partnerships with leading organizations and applying our expertise across the Charlotte community, we are making a positive difference on public health and well-being. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to empowering the next generation—helping students grow academically, professionally and personally.
Charlotte is a dynamic city full of energy and opportunity. With access to internships and careers in industries like hospitality, finance and healthcare, students benefit from a thriving regional economy and a strong JWU alumni network. From world-class restaurants and hotels to professional sports and cultural events, Charlotte offers unmatched experiences that shape student success.
Our campus is defined by vibrant indoor and outdoor spaces where students, faculty and staff gather, collaborate, study and relax. Our residential accommodations are more than just places to stay; they are dynamic communities that prioritize togetherness and belonging ensuring that every student feels at home.
Thank you for your interest in Johnson & Wales. I am proud to lead a campus community that is making a distinctive and enduring impact on higher education by focusing on student success and providing a principled and highly engaging experienced-based education.
Go Wildcats!
Sincerely,
Richard G. Mathieu, Ph.D.
President, Charlotte Campus