Johnson
[ jayWOO ]
JWU
noun, adjective, and/or state of mind.
1. A place to learn and grow through one-of-a-kind experiential education
2. An inclusive, diverse and supportive community of Wildcats
3. To be thoughtfully innovative and boldly trailblazing
4. The key to pursuing your passion and preparing for success
5. An experience you won’t want to miss
Johnson & Wales has two campus locations: Charlotte, North Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island. In this book, you’ll explore JWU Charlotte.
Experience.
It’s what we have, how we teach and what you’ll gain here. Whether you have a dream job in mind or are still exploring your options, Johnson & Wales will prepare you for whatever lies ahead.
Lessons Action in
Cutting-edge facilities let you experience your lessons instead of just learning them.
To learn, you must do. But where and how can you “do”? You’ll need the right tools and the right spaces. Hospitality students can’t learn how to manage a restaurant from a book — they practice leading a team through dinner service in the Hospitality Dining Lab. Baking & Pastry students can’t create delicious artisan breads or indulgent chocolate treats with a pen and paper. They need dedicated kitchens with state-of-the-art equipment to master their craft.
We have invested in the spaces and tools our students need to create, experience, innovate and do.
SAMPLE COURSE
BPA1720 Plated Desserts
Create delicious works of art as you learn how to prepare and present hot and cold desserts while exploring flavor, texture and a variety of plating techniques.
SAMPLE COURSE
ECON 1002 Microeconomics
Explore the forces of supply and demand to see how they shape markets, operations and strategies.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Lilly Langevin ’25
While at JWU, this Hospitality Management major worked at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte as a guest relations agent. “JWU played a huge role in this work experience because my courses helped me learn, grow and develop the fundamental skills I need to work in the hospitality industry,” Lilly says. She now works full-time at The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.
Areas Study of
Applied Food Science
Baking & Pastry Arts
Baking & Pastry Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management
Business Administration
Business Studies
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management
Culinary Nutrition
Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
Health Science
Health Science/Nursing 4+1
Hospitality Management
3-year and 4-year degree options
Liberal Studies
Psychology
Public Health
Public Health/Nursing 4+1
Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
Do it in Three
You can now earn your bachelor’s degree in three years. Seriously.
Beginning Fall 2026, Johnson & Wales will offer a 90-credit, three-year bachelor’s degree program in Hospitality Management. We were the first university in the nation to offer this type of degree at our Providence campus, and we are excited to bring this innovative program to Charlotte.
This allows students to finish college faster, enter the workforce sooner and have less financial burden — all while still getting the same high-quality education we’re known for.
Learn more at jwu.edu/3year.
“JWU is my dream school. I love that I get the typical university experience here plus working in kitchens and learning to cook. It is the best of both worlds.”
Makenna Seymour ’28
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Makenna Seymour ’28
This Culinary Nutrition major has a dream of becoming a registered dietitian so she can teach people with dietary restrictions how to make healthy and delicious meals for their needs.
FAVORITE JWU PROFESSOR
Chef Genny Komar
FAVORITE CLASS
Elements of à la Minute Cooking
FAVORITE DISH
Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sautéed Mushrooms
MAKENNA’S COURSE SCHEDULE
• CULN1010 An Introduction to the Fields of Food, Food Service and Nutrition
• BIO1011 General Biology – Cellular
• CUL2810 Global à la Carte
• FMS1165 The Food Safety Manager
Get Your Hands Dirty
(Not literally, unless you’re into that.)
We believe in diving straight into hands-on experiences from day one. Craft exquisite creations in our chocolate lab or bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life in the Student Innovation Lab. Master the art of food styling with top-notch multimedia equipment or add an international flair to your hospitality education by studying abroad.
Learning at JWU is immersive, exciting and transformative.
JWU students got an inside look at the research and development lab of Carolina Ingredients, a custom spice and seasoning manufacturer that specializes in non-GMO, vegan and organic products.
1,187
internships were completed by students universitywide last year, and 65% were paid opportunities.
(Reimagining Experiential & Applied Learning)
We’ve spent more than 100 years leading the way in experiential education, but our REAL approach takes things to the next level. The goal of REAL is to infuse experiential education into every course for every student in every major from day one.
We’re one of the only institutions in the country to offer experiential learning in every course. This approach, coupled with real-world projects and internship opportunities, will give you a truly unique education that will set you apart and prepare you for your desired career.
Where Wildcats the Are
Pride, Courage, Character and Community are the four pillars of the Wildcat Way.
What type of person do you hope to become? If you strive to be someone who takes pride in themselves and their work, has the courage to take on new challenges, shows strength of character and makes a difference in their community — you’ll be in good company here. Our students have the drive to chase their goals and the grit to persevere.
They come from around the world and from all walks of life. Different cultures, perspectives and ideas all come together to produce an incredible environment for learning and living.
When you surround yourself with Wildcats, you can’t help but be inspired.
The Queen City
Besides the fact that this city rules, Charlotte is called the Queen City because it was named in honor of Queen Charlotte when it was settled in 1768.
You’ll find us in the Third Ward of Uptown Charlotte, one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. We’re just minutes from several professional sports arenas, such as the Bank of America Stadium (home to the NFL Carolina Panthers), as well as music venues, art and history museums, beautiful parks and incredible food.
Take a stroll through Charlotte’s unique neighborhoods or hop on the CityLynx streetcar line to easily travel through Uptown.
Club Join the
One of the best ways to get involved, make new friends and get that quintessential “college experience” is to join one of our 30 student-run clubs and organizations. There’s something for every interest — you can plan events for fellow students with the Campus Activities Board, learn how to mix drinks with the Bartender’s Guild or explore Japanese animation with
Student Clubs and Organizations
the Anime Society. And if you can’t find a club that matches your unique interests, you can start your own.
You’ll find clubs and organizations that span a variety of categories:
• Academic & Professional Development
• Advocacy & Awareness
• Club Sports & Recreation
• Culinary
• Cultural
• Faith-Based & Spiritual
• Fraternities, Sororities & Social Fellowships
• Governance & Programming
• Special Interest
We’d love to list them all, but like we said — there’s 30 of them!
CLUBS & ORGS
To learn more about life on campus and how to join in, visit jwu.edu/studentlife/clt
WINNER, WINNER
The Men’s Soccer team has now made three back-to-back appearances in the national championship, winning in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
We Like Win to
Our NCAA Division III varsity sports allow student-athletes to strike the perfect balance between crushing it in the classroom and on the field (or the court, the fairway, the track — whatever playing surface they’re on). Our trophy cabinet has become quite full in the last few years alone, with stellar performances at the individual and team level.
In 2025, JWU Charlotte Athletics won their third consecutive USCAA Director’s Cup, which identifies the top overall athletic department among all USCAA member schools.
Whether you shoot hoops with the basketball team or hit the back nine with the golf team, you’ll be a winner here.
WOMEN’S
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball
MEN’S
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
We’ve Got Your Back
“We recognize that our students begin their journey at JWU equipped with unique lived experiences that shape their lives. We make an intentional effort to build an environment where students feel comfortable being their authentic selves.”
R.J. Kilgore
Director
of Academic Support Center for Academic Support
The health and wellness of our students is a top priority. We take a holistic approach to supporting students by offering services that emphasize the importance of mental health as well as physical, spiritual, academic and financial well-being.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER
Tutoring, writing labs and study skills workshops
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Accommodations for learning disabilities, physical challenges and chronic medical conditions
BANK OF AMERICA SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
An outreach program for accepted students from the greater Charlotte area to stay on campus for a 2.5week summer experience that will prepare them to transition into college life
COUNSELING SERVICES
Confidential professional counseling
HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES
Basic healthcare services, such as treatment of common illnesses, prescription refills, lab testing, wound care and STI screening and prevention
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES (SAS)
Academic planning with advisors and counselors
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
Financial planning guidance to help you pay for college
Investing Your in Future
Our dedicated Experiential Education & Career Services office connects students with opportunities through career fairs, internships and networking events. They also offer résumé-building and mock interview sessions, so you’ll have all the preparation you need to ace a job interview.
95% of our alumni are either employed, continuing their education, enlisted in military service or performing voluntary service within six months of graduating. Our Career Outcomes Rate is consistently higher than the national average.
CHIP WADE ’83, ’06 HON.
“Over the years, I’ve interviewed and hired countless JWU students, and I know the legacy continues,” says Chip Wade ’83, ’06 Hon., the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group. “This university doesn’t just prepare students to enter industries — it prepares them to lead them.”
Alumni Family Our
What are Wildcat alumni up to?
There’s just something about Charlotte that makes our alumni want to stick around after graduating. They have changed the landscape of the city by opening successful restaurants and businesses, aiding in the creation of new industries and connecting with the locals through community service projects and programs.
courtesy
Photo
of Rico Marcelo Photography
LIFE-CHANGING FOOD
Chayil Johnson ’17
The Community Matters Café is not only a restaurant, but a life-skills training program for graduates of the Charlotte Rescue Mission’s addiction recovery program. As the executive chef, Johnson works with these students every day to teach them new skills and prepare them to successfully transition back into the workforce. His hard work recently earned him a 2025 James Beard nomination.
MINDFUL
STUDY
Gianna Marlow ’24
This recent Psychology alum was a star student, so it’s no wonder she is continuing her studies in The Citadel’s School Psychology Ed.S. program. After grad school, Marlow aims to become a school psychologist to help young minds stay on the right path.
Top Employers of JWU Alumni
• Marriott International
• Compass Group
• Disney
• Fidelity Investments
• CVS Health
The JWU
The JWU Pledge will covers up to 100% of eligible undergraduate students’ tuition, making a college education more affordable and accessible.
This program includes grants, scholarships and aid from federal, state and institutional sources to cover the cost of tuition.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the JWU Pledge. Our Student Financial Services team determines if you are eligible based on your family’s verified income on your FAFSA.
Our FAFSA school code is 003404.
Learn more about the JWU Pledge and eligibility requirements at jwu.edu/thepledge.
JWU Pledge Eligibility
Income up to $80,000 and Pell grant eligible (verified by FAFSA)
Income between $80,001-$200,000 (verified by FAFSA)
* For transfer students who have completed at least 24 college credits, we will use the college GPA to determine eligibility.
The JWU Pledge covers tuition only and is determined by your family’s income listed on your FAFSA. This does not include lab or other fees, supplies, books or room and meal plans.
The packages referenced above will not include loans, however any loan eligibility can be used to help cover housing and meal costs.
Financial Aid Understanding
We offer a variety of scholarships and grants for academic performance, membership in student organizations, veterans, financial need and more.
To receive financial aid, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This helps us determine your financial aid package and what you may qualify for.
First steps for U.S. students applying for financial aid:
1 Create your FAFSA student ID at fafsa.gov
2 Gather your license, social security card and bank statements
3 List JWU’s school code, 003404
Once you’ve applied and been accepted to JWU, you’ll be assigned a personal financial planner to assist you and your family with creating a plan to pay for college.
For more information, check out jwu.edu/payingforcollege
DID YOU KNOW?
of our on-ground students receive institutional aid 99%
Let’s Get Started
Applying is the first step toward your future at JWU. We review every material you submit holistically. What are we looking for? Your story — who you are in your school, community, home and life — and who you want to become.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
• Common Application OR JWU Application
• High school transcript(s)
• Essay (optional but encouraged)
• Standardized test scores (optional and totally up to you)
FALL 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINES
• Early Action 1 (EA1): November 16
• Early Action 2 (EA2): January 4
• Regular: March 1
• Transfer Priority: April 12
• Rolling: through July 15
Apply (for free!) at apply.jwu.edu.
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