Richard Mathieu, Charlotte Campus President, Johnson & Wales University

Richard Mathieu, campus president of Johnson & Wales University Charlotte, sat down with Invest: to discuss the campus’s growth, including a 17% enrollment increase in 2025 that produced the largest incoming class since 2018 and the highest enrollment since 2021. Mathieu highlighted expanded programs in food science, culinary nutrition, and health science. He also discussed a focus on experiential learning, thoughtful integration of  AI, strengthened industry partnerships in Charlotte, and flexible online options that allow students to work while completing their degrees.

What key changes over the past year have most significantly shaped the Charlotte campus’s growth and direction?

Our new student enrollment rose 17% in 2025, producing the largest incoming class since 2018 and the highest overall enrollment since 2021. That momentum reflects several strategic moves aimed at affordability, accessibility, accelerated pathways, and expanded student life opportunities.

In 2025, we launched the JWU Pledge nationwide, which offers 100% of tuition to qualified Pell Grant recipients, and we introduced the first in the Southeast, in-person three-year, 90–96 credit-hour bachelor’s in hospitality management that integrates work‑integrated learning and apprenticeships. The program shortens the time to a degree while giving students field experience before graduation. We also rolled out an accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing program that is advancing toward full accreditation, moved athletics to become NCAA Division III, and added new teams while maintaining one of the nation’s top culinary arts and baking and pastry arts programs. These combined initiatives have strengthened recruitment and deepened student engagement.

What market needs or industry trends drove JWU Charlotte’s decision to launch the Southeast’s first three-year, in-person hospitality management degree? 

Our programs are building on institutional strengths: food science, culinary nutrition, and health science with a strong nutrition component. The intersection of food, health and wellness, hospitality, and business is growing. Many culinary arts and baking and pastry arts students follow a four-year pathway and add a major in food and beverage entrepreneurship supported by a robust entrepreneurship curriculum.

How would you describe the campus’ role as an economic driver for Charlotte?

Being part of the Charlotte community is a major advantage. Students want to live in a thriving, vibrant city, so we are expanding on-campus housing options by renovating a former DoubleTree by Hilton hotel into a residence hall, admissions and students services center. Our campus is located right in the heart of Charlotte. We also are part of a corridor with three educational institutions along the Gold Line.

Technology is transforming every industry — including education. 

How is JWU preparing students to engage with AI and other emerging tools across your diverse programs?

We are actively preparing students to use AI ethically and effectively in the workplace. Faculty are integrating AI into classroom instruction and following university guidelines that outline appropriate use. Different professors are adopting varied, discipline-appropriate approaches, and we featured our efforts in the recent alumni magazine. Our goal is to ensure every student graduates ready to utilize AI responsibly on the job.

How does your hands-on learning model translate into real-world readiness for students entering competitive industries?

This initiative is central to our curriculum: we strongly encourage our faculty to integrate experiential, hands-on learning opportunities into every class. Lab-based courses such as chemistry and culinary arts already build this into their schedules, and the Real Project model adds a crucial second step — reflection. Students not only complete hands-on assignments or labs but also analyze what they learned, how they solved problems and how those lessons apply to real-world work. We have embedded that reflect-and-apply cycle across the curriculum to deepen learning, strengthen critical thinking and ensure graduates leave with practical, transferable skills employers value.

With national attention on student wellness, how is JWU Charlotte investing in mental health resources, campus safety and community-building?

In regard to campus safety, we have an amazing and experienced professional campus safety and security team that works closely with the city police and local security guards. The health and wellness of our students is always a priority for us. We have comprehensive resources for our students to support their mental and physical health. 

Looking ahead, what are the key priorities or growth areas you’re most focused on as JWU Charlotte enters its next chapter?

Our top priority is strengthening relationships with industry partners in Charlotte to ensure students launch into meaningful careers with workplace experience while they study. Being an urban university makes it easier for students to work in their field during school, and we collaborate closely with corporate partners to create those opportunities. In the hospitality sector, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance have been strong supporters of our work. 

How does your sports, entertainment event management program give students the flexibility to gain hands-on event experience or finish their degree remotely?

One program I did not mention is sports, entertainment event management. Sports, entertainment event management is a popular program that fits within the broader hospitality sector, and we are seeing rising student engagement in the field. Students are increasingly involved with regional festivals and live events, including pro sports events and national performing arts tours, and working alongside national production companies like Southern Entertainment, where they gain hands-on experience in event operations, marketing, and logistics.

We have two campuses, one in Charlotte, North Carolina, and one in Providence, Rhode Island, along with a comprehensive online school. Almost all undergraduate programs have an online counterpart, so students can work while taking classes. If a senior accepts a job offer in another city, they can finish their degree online, which provides valuable flexibility for students launching careers. This option also supports nontraditional students and those balancing work or family responsibilities, helping more learners continue and complete their education.