Johnson & Wales To Close North Miami, Denver Campuses

NORTH MIAMI, FL — Johnson & Wales University plans to shutter its Miami-area campus in 2021 and will no longer accept new students starting this fall, school officials said.

"As we position the university for the future, JWU’s unique status as one university, with four geographically diverse on-the-ground campuses must now become part of our past," University Chancellor Mim L. Runey announced in a message to the university community Thursday.

The school's board of trustees also decided to close the university's Denver campus as part of a restructuring that retains the school's flagship location in Providence, Rhode Island and its newest campus in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"While the North Miami and Denver campuses will open this September for students who have already begun their studies, new students will not be permitted to enroll at JWU’s North Miami or Denver campuses," Runey said.

She said the university will shift to a six-college model "complemented by our robust College of Online Education" as the institution adds new programs in engineering, design, health and wellness as well as expanded offerings in the arts and sciences while promoting a new College of Food Innovation & Technology.

"The university will work with every student impacted to develop a plan that allows them to graduate on time, whether at another JWU campus, online or another institution," Runey said.

Some students, particularly those in programs with laboratory components such as culinary, baking and pastry arts may delay entering or returning to school until after the coronavirus threat has passed.

Despite exploring multiple options to increase enrollment, introduce new revenue streams and seek financial contributions from supporters and alumni, she said it has become clear the North Miami and Denver campuses will not be able to achieve the goal of becoming self-sustaining by the end of 2022.

"Over the years, JWU has made an extraordinary difference in North Miami and Denver, contributing to the economy and raising the level of culinary and hospitality in those metropolitan areas," Runey said. "This decision has a direct impact on their lives, careers and dreams. We share their sense of loss."

The North Miami campus opened in 1992 while the Denver campus opened in 2000. Runey said officials anticipate a 15 percent decline in high school graduates between 2025 and 2029 as a result of lower birth rates in the aftermath of the 2008 recession.

"Technology is now expanding the ability of colleges and universities to offer education remotely, diminishing the need for on-ground classrooms and facilities," she said.

She said the university will provide resources and support to staff, students and faculty to help them transition over the next year.

"Students at these campuses not graduating by May 2021 will have the option to transfer to the university’s Providence or Charlotte campuses, or finish their degree requirements online or remotely," Runey said. "In addition, we are working with institutions in Florida and Colorado to secure opportunities for students who wish to remain in their respective campus states."

The North Miami and Denver locations will cease all operations in the summer of 2021.