Rick Mathieu, Charlotte Campus President, Johnson & Wales University

In an interview with Invest:, President Rick Mathieu of Johnson & Wales University discussed the institution’s recent milestones, including campus expansion, the launch of new academic programs, the integration of cutting-edge technology, and strategies for enhancing accessibility and affordability.

What have been the most significant milestones and achievements for the university over the last 12 to 18 months?

One of our primary objectives has been to build out our residential campus footprint and create a more vibrant academic and cultural environment. As part of this effort, we are converting a DoubleTree hotel into a residence hall. This hotel is located right in the middle of our campus, making it a very exciting development for us. Additionally, we have launched an accelerated second-degree nursing program that started this summer and has already seen strong enrollment. This aligns with our strategic goal of building the nexus between food, beverages, health, and wellness. We are increasingly entering the healthcare space, and this nursing program has been a significant positive step for us.

We have also renovated a beverage lab to support our outstanding programs in wine, beer, and other beverages that support the demands of the industry. It is always energizing for me to walk through one of our culinary, beverage, or science labs during the school year and see the high level of student engagement. Our teachers are amazing, and we are focused on investing in programs that lead to strong career outcomes. Our strength lies in experiential education, and we emphasize hands-on learning across all our programs. In addition, our campus community mirrors the diversity of the real world, providing our students with authentic experiences that reflect real-life situations.

How do you ensure the effective integration of experiential education across all programs?

We have an initiative called the REAL Initiative, which is aimed at integrating experiential education into every course within the next two to three years. This means that every class at Johnson & Wales University will incorporate experiential learning. However, it’s more than just hands-on education; it involves reflecting on and understanding the learning process. The model emphasizes that students not only engage in hands-on activities both inside and outside the classroom, but also reflect on what they’ve learned and articulate their experiences. This reflection ensures that our students are cognizant of their learning outcomes.

What role do technology and innovation play across the programs offered at the university?

Our culinary programs are housed within the College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT). These programs are not just about food; they encompass all the technology and critical thinking involved in the food services industry. For example, we have a partnership with Rational-, a manufacturer of cutting-edge kitchen appliances. It ensures that our kitchens are equipped with the latest technology and that our students are fully trained to use it. Beyond culinary arts, artificial intelligence and generative AI are major topics of interest. Our faculty is proactive in integrating these technologies into our classrooms. We’re not fighting AI, but exploring how best to integrate it into our programs and adapt to the evolving communication landscape  The real benefit of generative AI is that it teaches students how to ask better questions, which improves their conceptual thinking and feedback interpretation.

What strategies does Johnson & Wales University have for accessibility and affordability?

One of our top priorities is ensuring timely graduation by eliminating obstacles that might prevent students from staying on track. We focus on helping traditional students graduate within four years. In terms of affordability, our biggest advancement and fundraising efforts are centered around scholarships. We strive to make our curriculum affordable and ensure a positive return on investment by providing our students with skills to secure productive, meaningful, and successful careers. 

We also work closely with corporate partners to ensure that our students gain practical experience while studying. Many of our students work while attending school, which we see as an advantage. This work experience accelerates their careers and helps them graduate with significant experience. Being in a diverse city provides additional benefits, as students are immersed in a center of commerce, offering numerous opportunities for both fun and professional growth. Ideally, our graduates don’t just enter entry-level jobs but rather elevated positions that recognize their experience and skills developed during their time at Johnson & Wales.

What are the main challenges in higher education today?

The main challenge for every institution is to clearly define its value proposition. For us, this focus is relatively straightforward due to our location and traditional strengths in food, beverage, and hospitality, which naturally extend to health and wellness. This integration gives us a distinct- advantage that many other institutions lack. Our students often have a stronger background in nutrition and dietetics compared to those from other universities. This unique perspective benefits them in the food industry, which remains a fascinating and vital part of our offerings. We continue to produce exceptional chefs who contribute significantly to the culinary scene both locally and nationally.

We are deeply embedded in the food and beverage industry and are increasingly involved in the health sector, particularly through nutrition, dietetics, and food science. Our food science program is a prime example, growing out of our culinary program rather than an agricultural one. This approach produces food scientists who come from a culinary background, making our graduates unique in the field. They not only create recipes but also understand how to package, sell, and ensure the quality of food products.

What are the university’s top priorities in the near term?

This coming year marks our 20th anniversary in Charlotte. To celebrate this milestone, we will be hosting several events in the fall. We were recruited to come to Charlotte 20 years ago, and since then, we’ve made a significant impact on the local culinary scene. If you speak to longtime residents, they will tell you how much the culinary landscape has transformed since our arrival. This anniversary is a testament to the strides we’ve made and the influence we’ve had on the community.