The four tenets of the Johnson & Wales University Wildcat Way are pride, courage, character and community.
Our global community – including students, staff, faculty and over 120,000 alumni – embodies the Wildcat Way by being leaders in their communities, mentoring others and excelling in their chosen fields.
At JWU Online, the Wildcat Way isn’t about where you study – it’s about how you show up in the world. Our students display the character traits of pride, courage, character and community each and every day, and we are constantly inspired by their stories.
Pride
Celebrate your accomplishments – no matter how big or small. Making the decision to return to school can be life-changing, and a choice to truly be proud of.
“I am incredibly proud to have two Guatemalan parents who came to the United States with nothing but a dream for a better life. Witnessing their continued hard work and determination has been a constant source of inspiration for me.” – Mayra Gonzalez ’23, Master of Business Administration
“My personal growth in how I’ve learned to handle school and family life has given me tremendous pride in myself, which motivates me to keep going to complete the program.” – Shannon Rhyne ’24, B.S. – Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management
“I’m proud that, despite being told I wouldn’t make it in college, I’m earning my bachelor’s degree in only three years, instead of four. A challenging journey, I’m glad I stood my ground and refused to go to transition school. Earning a bachelor’s degree at JWU Online is a step towards a promising future.” – Demetri Sianis ’25, B.S. – Culinary Arts & Food Service Management
Courage
It takes courage to show up every day for online courses while balancing family, work and other responsibilities. That may even mean pushing yourself in new ways, such as participating in an online discussion, finishing a difficult assignment or collaborating with your classmates on a group project. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and display courage in the face of new challenges.
“If I can do it, while seeing patients in the office, operating and being on call – and fulfilling family responsibilities, including coaching competitive soccer – then anyone can do it. By enrolling in the MBA program at JWU, I am living proof of the value of education and the doors it can open for people of all ages.” – Ajay Patel, MD ’26, MBA – Finance
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Character
At JWU, character isn’t just about getting a good grade or meeting deadlines; it’s about presenting yourself and your work with authenticity. Character is treating your faculty and classmates with respect, being dependable and staying committed to your goals. Often character shines not just by meeting goals, but how those goals are achieved.
“The online master’s program has been flexible enough for me as a parent to be able to give my son the time that he needs, while working and going to school. I can work at my pace and still have that positive interaction with teachers and with classmates through the discussion boards.” – Emmeline Orellana ’24, Master of Public Administration
“Success in an online program requires skilled time management. I’m a not a ‘traditional student.’ It has been hard, but also a really great experience. I know that I’ve always wanted to serve my community in some way. With that goal, I just keep going by putting one foot in front of the other and reminding myself, ‘You can do this.’” – Adriana Milko ’24, B.S. – Psychology
Community
We recognize that community is key to feeling supported and seen while studying online. Each time you log in for class, you’re never alone. Your classmates, professors, staff and the entire JWU community are here to support and inspire you.
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“Making connections with individuals when in group assignments together, or with others outside of those groups is helpful. You can say, ‘Hey, we’re in the class together. If you get stuck, or if I get stuck, we’re available for each other. So, it has been helpful to set up times to talk, whether it be via chat, or Zoom or email. But now that I’ve made those intentional connections with a few individuals, we do text each other, we do wish each other happy holidays. We’ll say, ‘How are you and your family?”- Rasheeda Brooks Johnson ’24, M.S. – Human Resource Management
“JWU Online does a fantastic job of extending themselves out across the country to bring this whole community of students together. The professors encourage interactive classes that build community. My classmates all had wonderful stories that I’ve loved getting to know. Even though these students were not on-campus, online students are still a big part of the school.” – Ben Huntzinger ’25, B.S. – Digital Marketing & Social Media
Our JWU Online community teaches us ways to embrace the Wildcat Way as online learners.
If you’re considering an online degree, take the next step now – and your Wildcat Way story could be next!
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected]. You can also complete your online application for admission today.