2024-2025 Johnson & Wales Annual Report

What ’s next BUILT FOR

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

At Johnson & Wales University, being Built for What’s Next means encountering 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.

Our faculty and students continue to distinguish themselves through academic rigor, innovation and results. Their work advances programs that are relevant, outcomes-driven and aligned with the evolving demands of industry and society. These achievements reinforce the university’s standing as a forward-looking leader in higher education.

We remain firmly committed to strong industry partnerships that translate education into opportunity. These relationships provide students with meaningful, hands-on experience and ensure that academic programs remain connected to real-world practice and workforce needs.

Johnson & Wales also continues to fulfill its responsibility as a community leader. Through civic engagement and signature initiatives, JWU contributes to the vitality of the communities it serves and strengthens its role as an anchor institution where learning inspires lasting impact.

Looking forward, Johnson & Wales is not reacting to the future, we are shaping it with intention and accountability.

Thank you for your continued support, which makes this progress possible and ensures our shared success in the years ahead.

John E. Taylor Jr. ’18 Hon. Chair of the Johnson & Wales University Board of Trustees

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 purposeful transformation in higher education. This year’s annual report, Built for What’s Next, captures the momentum shaping our future — momentum driven by innovation, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Among our most significant milestones is the launch of a three-year bachelor’s degree, a bold reimagining of academic pathways that accelerates opportunity and responds to the evolving needs of today’s learners. Equally transformative were the strategic merger of the College of Hospitality & Business and the expansion of the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences, initiatives that underscore our commitment to interdisciplinary learning and to preparing graduates for a complex, dynamic world.

Affordability and access remain central to our mission. New initiatives such as the JWU Pledge reaffirm our promise to students and families by ensuring that a Johnson & Wales education is both attainable and impactful. These efforts, coupled with national recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s Most Innovative Schools, affirm our role in defining the future of learning.

Looking ahead, we are not simply building on this year’s successes, we are setting the pace for what comes next. Our focus remains on advancing bold academic models, deepening industry partnerships, and cultivating an inclusive, innovative community where ideas flourish and potential is realized. Together, we will empower our graduates to lead with confidence in a world that demands agility, creativity and vision.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this shared mission. With Wildcat pride and confidence in the future ahead, I look forward to shaping what’s next together. Chancellor

Johnson & Wales University: Built for What’s Next

Johnson & Wales University (JWU) stands at the forefront of purposeful transformation in higher education. This year’s achievements reflect sustained momentum driven by innovation, pragmatic adaptation and student success. The introduction of a three-year bachelor’s degree underscores the university’s dedication to innovative academic pathways and outcomes. Equally impactful, the strategic merger of the College of

& Business and the expansion of the College of Arts &

a forward-thinking commitment to interdisciplinary education — while initiatives such as the JWU Pledge reinforced the institution’s promise of affordability and opportunity.

National recognition as one of the top “Most Innovative” schools by U.S. News & World Report affirms that JWU is helping to shape the future of learning. United under the theme “Built for What’s Next,” Johnson & Wales University empowers graduates to excel today while preparing them

lead tomorrow.

Academics

During 2024–25, the university created meaningful opportunities for students to translate academic learning into professional growth — connecting with industry leaders, applying their skills in real-world settings, participating in signature events and initiatives and broadening their understanding of the world.

Connecting Students with Industry

Numerous events and activities occurred in 2024–25 to connect students with the industries they will be working in:

• Psychology and Criminal Justice students led by Professor Jessica Fede, Ph.D., partnered with Better Lives Rhode Island to explore the deep and often overlooked connections between homelessness, mental health and the criminal justice system.

• Guided by Associate Professor Brian Lavin, DBA, a creative team of students launched a podcast in collaboration with GoProvidence, the city’s official tourism agency. From concept to production, they built a full podcast strategy, coordinated guest interviews, edited audio and designed promotional content. Through storytelling, research and authentic conversations, the students helped elevate local voices and highlight Providence as a dynamic and welcoming destination.

• Students got a behind-the-scenes look at the launch of Centerville Stadium, the new home of the Rhode Island Football Club, with Associate Professor Lee Esckilsen. They contributed to venue operation efforts focused on sustainability, guest accessibility (ADA) and enhanced amenities, helped create the stadium’s operations manual and supported event planning efforts.

• Collaborating with the Rhode Island Foundation, Professor Evan Villari’s students wrote, recorded, edited and marketed a 15-minute video that celebrated the state’s top technology innovators for Rhode Island Monthly’s Tech10 Awards. With support from Rhode Island Monthly, students coordinated interviews, developed a production strategy and designed promotional content.

• This year’s Tiefel project, led by Professor Paul Bagdan, Ph.D., focused on accessibility and inclusion in the hospitality and tourism industries. Students researched best practices from cities across the country and developed thoughtful recommendations to improve access for individuals with both visible and invisible limitations.

• To prepare students for a tech-driven hospitality industry, JWU’s College of Hospitality Management hosted the Food & Beverage Technology Symposium, featuring a panel of five industry leaders. The discussion explored how AI and emerging technologies are transforming food and beverage operations, with key themes including automation, data intelligence, guest experience and workforce adaptation. Students engaged with experts from Oracle, BRIX Holdings, JAMIX, BarVision and Voosh. Panelists emphasized that while AI is reshaping the industry, it enhances, rather than replaces the human touch. The event reflected JWU’s experiential learning model and the importance of tech fluency and continuous learning in hospitality.

Cultivating Industry Partnerships

The university works with key industry partners to provide students with opportunities for rich industry engagement.

• Before launching its three-year bachelor’s degree programs, JWU conducted interviews with industry partners to ensure alignment with workforce expectations including Amgen, iHeart Radio, Lifespan, Ecolab, Fidelity, KPMG and Penn Entertainment. Employers expressed staunch support, confirming they would confidently consider candidates with three-year degrees.

• In collaboration with Experiential Education & Career Services, Explore Charleston sponsored an etiquette dinner: “Building Confidence, Connections and Careers.” Employers in attendance included Wild Dunes Resort, Kiawah Island Gold Resort and Hilton Managed Properties.

• The JWU Charlotte Career & Internship Spring Expo welcomed 70+ national employers including The Walt Disney Co., Hyatt, Marriott and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• 60 Charlotte students joined an elite team at Augusta National Golf Club during the iconic Masters Tournament. Working in hospitality roles across venues like Berckmans Place, the Clubhouse and the Press Building, or honing their skills in VIP prep kitchens, garde manger

and pastry production, Wildcats gained realworld experience at one of the world’s most prestigious events.

• Last spring, 35 students from Media & Communication, Marketing & Advertising and Digital Marketing & Social Media programs took part in an immersive academic trip to New York City. They visited leading institutions like the Paley Center for Media, engaging with exhibits on television history and media literacy. At Ogilvy, students gained firsthand insight into campaign development and strategic creativity.

• Ryan Barry ’08 received the JWU Alumni Service Award, honoring his active engagement and meaningful contributions to the alumni community. As CEO of Appcues, a leader in user management technology, Barry supports JWU’s business students by returning to campus as a guest speaker and hiring graduates for key roles.

Engaging Students in Experiential Learning: The “REAL” Way

Led by a cross-campus team of faculty and staff in 2023, the REAL (Reimagining Experiential & Applied Learning) initiative aims to ensure every JWU student achieves at least one course objective through experiential and applied learning. This approach connects students’ experiences to course content and

future decision-making and encourages deeper reflection on their learning process. As a result, students build accountability, motivation and selfawareness, gaining confidence and transferable skills that support longterm academic and career success.

• Early indicators show improved student engagement, attendance and reduced DFW rates, reinforcing the value of REAL in enhancing learning outcomes.

• The team trained arts & sciences and hospitality & business faculty to implement the REAL approach, grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (Experience, Reflect, Think, Apply), in undergraduate face-to-face courses. Over 80 faculty participated in workshops, with many earning certifications from the Institute for Experiential Learning. The next phase will focus on tailoring REAL for lab-based courses with food innovation & technology and health & wellness faculty. While these labs already offer hands-on learning, the REAL approach enhances them through structured reflection.

• Charlotte students in a Global Business Capstone course taught by Assistant Professor Darin Spencer, Ph.D., ran virtual tech companies through the GLO-BUS simulation, making strategic decisions across marketing, finance, operations and CSR. Competing against over 1,500 global teams, two JWU groups ranked in the Top 100 within three weeks.

SPOTLIGHT

INTERNSHIPS

Some highlights from 2024–25 internship experiences include the following:

• In the College of Health & Wellness, one Exercise and Sports Science major worked with Moses Brown Athletics to support 67 teams across 17 sports; this aligned with her goal to be an athletic trainer. A Health Sciences student interned at Small Steps Therapy, confirming her path toward Occupational Therapy. Another Health

“What stands out about JWU students is their clear sense of direction. They come in knowing what they want to achieve, which is something we look for in future hires.”

Sciences student gained clinical insight at Ortho Rhode Island, interviewing both a surgeon and working with a patient — an experience that strengthened her goal of pursuing a medical degree.

• Caleb Risher ’26, a Hospitality Management student, secured a prestigious internship at Montage Big Sky, Montana’s largest Forbes five-star resort, through faculty and alumni connections. Transitioning from culinary arts to hospitality, Risher embraced a handson role as a houseman, gaining insight into luxury service standards and resort operations.

• Abram Kempner ’26, a Graphic Design major at JWU, gained professional experience through a summer internship with Willwork Global Event Services, where he designed and installed graphics for the American Speech Hearing Association conference in Boston. His work included multiple murals and wayfinding designs.

• Carly McCrumb ’24, ’25, a Culinary Arts and Culinary Nutrition student, met Sophia Tingle ’24, a Baking & Pastry major, while interning at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, secured through the Providence Campus Career Fair. As members of the Lodge’s culinary team, they planned and executed a five-course dinner for the Rising Star Chef Series.

• A live group counseling process allowed students to observe expert facilitation before stepping into the role themselves. Through reflection and peer support led by Charlotte Professor Howard Slutzky, Psy.D., students gained confidence and emotional insight, including one student going on to co-lead a real counseling group during their internship.

• During a study abroad trip to Mexico, Associate Professor Jane Boyland’s students engaged in site visits, cultural experiences and daily reflections while researching Marriott’s acquisition of City Express. Their final projects compared hospitality cultures and applied insights to brand expansion strategies; many described the experience as life-changing.

• In an Art History course led by Professor Maureen Farrell, Ph.D., students explored the RISD Medieval Gallery, engaging with centuries-old artifacts and selecting pieces that resonated with them. Students connected their gallery observations to historical and artistic contexts, with a few graphic design and culinary students applying medieval styles and techniques to inspire their own creative work in their fields.

• In a Business Analytics course taught by Professor Debbie Howarth, Ed.D., students completed two self-paced SAS Institute data literacy courses and learned real-world applications of data — from navigating

the COVID-19 pandemic to improving small business performance. Students earned digital badges and applied what they learned in a Dashboard Research Essay, imagining themselves in their dream job and applying what they learned to decision-making possibilities in that role.

• Through group-based projects and studentled leadership days, Chef David Petrone, associate instructor and restaurateur, instills the value of teamwork while fostering accountability and real-world readiness. He encourages students to leverage the strengths of their peers and identify personal weaknesses by openly acknowledging their own. This mindset prepares students for both the technical and interpersonal demands of the food industry.

Centers for Excellence

JWU’s centers for excellence focus on establishing educational experiences rooted in excellence and strengthening industry partnerships.

• The Cybersecurity Center/Lab launched a series of free, hands-on classes in Cyber Awareness and Digital Forensics & Investigations to 40+ state and local law enforcement officers. The program culminated in the OSForensics Certification Exam, where participants achieved an impressive 85% pass rate. The center’s next goals are to provide free cyber training to educators as well as community college

and high school students. An in-house Cyber Range provides hands-on, simulated cybersecurity training and research environment, allowing students, faculty and external partners to learn, practice and test cybersecurity skills in a safe, controlled setting. The new facility enables realistic simulations of cyberattacks, network defense exercises and incident response training.

• The Larry Friedman Center for Entrepreneurship, also known as The Launch Pad, grew student participation by 125+% and launched a student entrepreneurship club. With input and votes from students, center director Jeff Binczyk was honored as Advisor of the Year for his work with the club. Binczyk was invited to speak at the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers at Babson College where he presented how to re-launch an entrepreneurship center on a limited budget.

• The Center for Beverage Education & Innovation’s second year provided opportunities for faculty to write and present — solidifying their status as industry thought leaders as they once again judged the prestigious Vibe Awards and Bar & Restaurant Industry Excellence Awards. Director Brian Warrener, associate professor, served as chair of these judging panels, as a contributing editor for Bar & Restaurant, as a member of the United States Bartenders Guild Academy Curriculum Task Force, and presented at the 2025 Bar Summit.

— 10 students received internships and jobs with the support of leadership

— 19 students awarded industry fellowships and scholarships.

— 200+ students attended center mocktail events and pop-ups

— $75,000+ raised in scholarships, fellowships and in-kind donations from beverage partners to support practical classroom education

• The Ecolab Center for Culinary Science provided product development and food safety/regulatory services for nearly 170 food products from 35 companies. Much of this work included issuing “process authority” letters after thoroughly reviewing products and processes for food safety implications. In addition, and with support from a USDA grant, the center helped JWU CFIT faculty develop a line of nutritious maple-centric packaged food and beverage items that will ultimately be produced and sold as “JWU” products. The center coordinates JWU CFIT faculty participation in fee-based training and professional development opportunities for food scientists from major U.S.-based food manufacturers.

Engaging Undergraduate

Students in Research

• In April 2025, JWU’s Center for Student Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration (CSRIC) held its second annual Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium (SRDIS) concurrently on the Providence and Charlotte campuses. The event showcased outstanding student scholarship and creativity across all disciplines.

— 84 student projects

— 130 undergraduate and graduate presenters

— 35 academic programs represented across all JWU colleges

• The high-impact research opportunities from the CSRIC under the leadership of Professor Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., included the following:

— 21 student presentations delivered at 3 local and national conferences

— 8 peer-reviewed publications, including contributions to a Rhode Island Medical Journal issue

— 9 student-led Health Equity Reflections and Refreshments sessions

— 6 SRDIS presentations and several in-progress manuscripts for 23 psychology students

— 3 paid summer research positions supported through the Rhode Island IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, leading to conference presentations and in-progress manuscripts

ENSURING

ACADEMIC QUALITY

JWU continues to strengthen academic quality through the revitalization of JWU’s Educational Effectiveness Days and through program distinctions such as specialized accreditation. These external evaluations affirm the excellence of JWU’s faculty, curriculum and student outcomes.

In 2024–25, several programs achieved new accreditations or key milestone:

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Following their on-site accreditation visit in September 2024, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) officially granted initial accreditation to Johnson & Wales University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The commission commended the program’s faculty and leadership for a comprehensive self-study

and exemplary preparation for the site visit, affirming the program’s strong foundation in academic quality, assessment and student support.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

In April 2025, Johnson & Wales University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program submitted its interim report for continued accreditation to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The report provided comprehensive evidence of the program’s ongoing compliance with ACOTE standards, including updates on curriculum refinement, faculty qualifications and student outcomes.

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Master of Science in Addictions Counseling

In early 2025, CACREP granted initial accreditation to JWU’s M.S. Counseling programs, commending their strong assessment foundation. The program has already fully implemented its assessment plan across all domains and submitted a progress report to the board ahead of schedule.

Supporting Faculty Scholarship

• Grants that promote faculty excellence and increase academic support include

— $10,000 New England Board of Higher Education Course Marking and Open Educational Resources Grant

— Provost Teaching Innovation Mini Grants studying zebrafish, revising ENG1020, and developing data science and bioinformatic training, to name a few

• Other faculty grant-funded research projects include

— $14,000 Food is Medicine Case Study Grant from Community Servings

— $30,301 RI Lifespan Respite System of Services Grant from Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging over one year

— $6,446 Mindfulness in Undergraduate Public Health and Health Profession Education Grant from Marion & Jasper Whiting Foundation over one year

Elevating Teaching Excellence and Enhancing the Academic Community

• The Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) transformed the New Faculty Learning Community into the Teaching Excellence Certification program, an in-person eightweek experience with topics including an introduction to JWU culture and institutional values, student resources and supports, academic integrity, and best teaching practices including Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

and the Reimagining Experiential and Applied Learning (REAL) project. Nine members of faculty received this certification, which included a digital badge.

• 14 members of faculty and staff were selected as Universal Design for Learning (UDL) fellows, completing an eight-week long comprehensive program on the incorporation of UDL in the classroom. UDL is an academic initiative that offers more inclusive classrooms by providing multiple means of representation, engagement, action and expression. These members of faculty received this certification, which included a digital badge. They also disseminated their work in a panel discussion during the 2025 University Scholarship & Best Practices Expo.

• 136 faculty, staff and student employees were trained in Mental Health First Aid by 10 faculty and staff members who had become certified Mental Health First Aid instructors. Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

• The Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Taskforce was mobilized to educate the JWU community in the responsible use of GAI tools in a university setting. In Spring 2025, taskforce members developed and facilitated a four-part synchronous series:

— Generative AI 101

— Ethics & Safety

— Prompt Engineering & Assignment Design

— Detection & Classroom Policies

• CTL presented a fully virtual postcommencement professional development series for faculty. Programming included workshops in how-to intruction, safety and security, institutional software such as Microsoft Excel and Concur, and JWU Institutional Review Board’s scholarship standards and protocols. The event saw its highest attendance rates to date

Supporting Student Success

“JWU is an

incredible resource

for both students and

alumni. Students have a lot of opportunities to meet and network with industry professionals right in their classrooms, and this allows them to take control of their career path.

— ALLISON PANGAKIS ’08

Community

JWU AT A GLANCE

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, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, hospitality, food innovation, hospitality, health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design.

JWU’s unique model provides students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 130 countries pursuing careers worldwide.

Undergraduate Tuition

$41,782

(2024–25)

Career Outcomes Rate of

For Class of 2024 92.3% of On-Campus Students Receive Financial Aid 98.7%

This year, we had

8,274

students from 51 countries

JWU is committed to making a quality education as accessible and affordable as possible. The university has taken proactive steps to manage student debt by increasing institutional aid over the past several years. Approximately 98.7% of all JWU on-campus students receive institutional scholarships

1,187

Internships

Rankings

Providence, Rhode Island

U.S. News & World Report ranked JWU Providence as the 16th Most Innovative School in the Regional University North category.

Charlotte, North Carolina

U.S. News & World Report ranked JWU Charlotte as the 29th Best College in the Regional Colleges South and the 13th Best Value School in the Regional Colleges South categories.

College of Professional Studies

U.S. News & World Report ranked JWU Online in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans categories.

Degrees offered (2024–25)

A = Associate degrees B = Bachelor’s degrees M = Master’s degrees D = Doctoral degrees

JWU Serves

University staff and faculty demonstrated their commitment to community engagement through participation in Johnson & Wales’ annual JWU Serves events during the fall and spring. These efforts included neighborhood and park cleanups, care package assembly, and other service initiatives, reflecting a shared dedication to fostering positive and lasting impacts within our local communities.

2024–25 Academic Year

Volunteer Hours

Enrollment by Campus and College (Fall 2024)

Faculty, Staff and Student Volunteers

Community Sites

Enrollment is defined as the total number of degree/certificate-seeking students.

Commitment

BUILDING A STRONG ALUMNI NETWORK

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.

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.

AREAS OF IMPACT

From scholarships to athletics, student organizations or any of JWU’s six colleges, charitable donations are put to work universitywide. The choice is yours and every gift matters. When we all give, the impact adds up.

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 industryfocused 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.

ONE DAY, ONE GOAL

JWU’s Annual Day of Giving 2025

Johnson & Wales University’s sixth annual day of giving took place on March 18, 2025. During oneJWU: 24 Hours of Giving, alumni joined with parents, faculty, staff and friends to support JWU’s students by making a gift to the area of their choice. oneJWU is all about participation and the power of the JWU community.

Scholarships

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’ six colleges relies 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.

618 total gifts

29% JWU first-time donars

$140 average gift size 26% increase in dollars from last year

$86,605 raised

87,000 social media impressions

7,452 website views

Vision

“OUR PROMISE OF AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESS remains central to our mission. Newly created initiatives such as the JWU Pledge reaffirm our commitment to opening doors for students and families, ensuring that a JWU education is both attainable and impactful.”

— Mim L. Runey, LP.D. Chancellor

2024–25 Board of Trustees

John E. Taylor Jr., chair of the board of trustees, Johnson & Wales University; managing director, Faulkner & Howe LLC

Mim L. Runey, LP.D., chancellor, Johnson & Wales University

Maribeth N. Bisienere, senior vice president, operations; Walt Disney World® Resort

Adi Dhandhania ’10, senior managing director, TPG Strategic Ventures; chief executive officer, Neon Marketplace (as of March 2025)

Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, president, The Miriam Hospital

Lorena M. Garcia ’00, president and chief executive officer, Lorena Garcia Group

Lionel E. LaRochelle II, principal, Spring Valley Hospitality Advisors LLC

Robert J. Palleschi ’86, chief executive officer, American Campus Communities

Merrill W. Sherman, J.D., principal, Sherman Consulting LLC

Clay A. Snyder ’93, vice chair of the board of trustees, Johnson & Wales University; senior director of business development, Hilton Supply Management

Shivan S. Subramaniam, retired chairman and chief executive officer, FM Global

D.Chip Wade ’83, chief executive officer, Union Square Hospitality Group

Officers of the Corporation*

Mim L. Runey, LP.D., chancellor

Joseph J. Greene Jr., CPA, ’89, ’98 M.S., vice chancellor and president, Providence Campus

Danielle Santamaria, CPA, ’13 MBA, chief financial officer

Emily A. Gilcreast ’19 MBA, university secretary

University Cabinet*

Mim L. Runey, LP.D., chancellor

Joseph J. Greene Jr., CPA, ’89, ’98 M.S., vice chancellor and president, Providence Campus

Diane D’Ambra, M.S., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, vice president of human resources

Jason R. Evans, Ph.D., dean of the College of Food Innovation & Technology

Michael Fein, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Jennifer Adams Galipeau, Ed.D., ’87, ’92 M.S., associate provost for academic affairs and dean of the College of Hospitality & Business

Maura Iversen, DPT, SD, MPH, dean of the College of Health & Wellness

Richard G. Mathieu, Ph.D., president, Charlotte Campus

Matthew Montgomery, M.A., vice president of marketing and communications

Cynthia L. Parker, Ed.D., ’09 MBA, vice president of JWU Online

Danielle Santamaria, CPA, ’13 MBA, chief financial officer

Luba Shur, J.D., vice president and general counsel

David A. Souza Jr., B.S., vice president of information technology

Melanie V. Tucker, Ed.D., NCC, LMHC, vice president of student affairs

Meredith Twombly, M.S., vice president of enrollment management

Richard Wiscott, Ph.D., provost

Jason W. Witham, M.A., vice president of infrastructure and campus services

*as of December 2025

Financial Report

As of June 30, 2025, the university’s cash and investments totaled $390 million, reflecting a decrease of approximately $7 million compared to June 30, 2024. The university’s debt balance continued to decrease, ending the fiscal year at $36.6 million.

“I am a first-generation college student who moved across the country at 18 and put myself through school. If it were not for financial aid, I would not have been able to go to school and follow my passion. I am so grateful to JWU and the donors who made my dreams a reality.”

— ALEXA CHRISTENSEN ’25 CULINARY ARTS AND FOOD & BEVERAGE ENTREPRENERUSHIP

Johnson & Wales University

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

June 30, 2024 and 2025

2024 Financial Distribution

Total Net Assets: $695,615

Total Liabilities: $89,047 Total Liabilities & Net Assets: $784,662

2025 Financial Distribution

Total Net Assets: $683,829 Total Liabilities: $89,810 Total Liabilities & Net Assets: $773,639

Powered by Possibility 2027 outlines the path forward. Join us in supporting our ambitions and aspirations. Support JWU through your gift, involvement and service. Learn more at giving.jwu.edu

THANK YOU!

The unique JWU experience is what has guided our university for the past 110 years, and will continue to guide us as we move boldly into the future. Tuition alone does not fully cover all that JWU offers plus the general operating costs to run a comprehensive university. It is your support that makes the difference and will give rise to a

new era of innovation and ambitious academic advancements.