Johnson & Wales University Athletics Programs
Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a private university with a rich history dating back to 1914. Originally founded as a business school by Gertrude I. Johnson and Mary T. Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, JWU has expanded to offer a wide range of programs, including those in culinary arts, hospitality, business, and technology. The university is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of age, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital or parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected category. JWU does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class in the administration of its admissions policies, educational policies, loan and scholarship programs, and athletic or any other school-administered programs.
A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
Founded as Johnson & Wales Business School in September 1914, the institution quickly grew under the leadership of co-directors Edward P. Triangelo and Gaebe. In 1963, the school became a registered nonprofit organization. Over the years, JWU has expanded its campuses to include locations in Providence (Downcity and Harborside), Charlotte, and formerly in Denver and North Miami. The Providence campus is home to the College of Business, the Hospitality College, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the College of Engineering & Design. It also houses the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School and the College of Culinary Arts, along with the School of Education.
JWU is renowned as the largest food service educator globally, although its initial focus was on business and hospitality programs. The university previously operated on a trimester system but transitioned to a semester calendar starting in the 2020-2021 academic year.
A Glimpse into JWU Athletics
JWU's athletic programs have seen significant changes over the years. The North Miami campus, before its closure, was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Sun Conference. JWU Denver transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division III before ultimately ending all athletic programs. As of the 2024-25 academic year, JWU-Charlotte is transitioning to NCAA Division III, joining the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference.
All Wildcat Athletic teams compete as a part of USCAA (United States Collegiate Athletic Association). Each program competes for the opportunity to play in the national championship tournament, and student-athletes may be honored as Academic All-Americans, Players of the Week, All-Americans, Student-Athlete of the Year, or National Player of the Year.
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Recent Athletic Achievements
JWU's athletic teams have celebrated numerous achievements recently. The university's wrestling team notably won the NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championship. In addition, JWU's IDA team had a banner year, culminating in a first-place Northeast Region win and third-place finish overall at the 2025 Intercollegiate Dressage Association National Championship held in Missouri in April. Equine Studies major Mady Cary ’26 was crowned National Champion after finishing first in her division in Upper Training - Individual for the second year in a row, while her teammate Viviane Lensky ’26 earned Reserve Champion in First Level-Dressage Seat Equitation.
JWU Charlotte’s men’s tennis team also had a banner semester. The team earned the title of runners-up at the 2025 East Coast Athletic Conference Men's Outdoor Tennis Championships in May after battling athletes from institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham, Stevenson University and Juniata College.
Spotlight on Women's Athletics
JWU has seen remarkable success in women's athletics. One of JWU’s newest teams is women’s track & field, which just debuted in Fall 2024. Standout moments of the two-day conference included Animal Science major Lulaini Haslinger ’27 winning the 400-meter, 5K and 3K steeplechase; Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management major Melissa Charles ’28 winning the pole vault; Baking & Pastry Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management major Erika Sanders ’27 winning at shot put and Baking & Pastry Arts major Lena Nicholson ’27 winning the discus throw.
The women’s softball team had an exciting season for JWU Providence, whose 29 wins earned the team the fourth-highest win total in program history. Baking & Pastry Arts major Jillian Reed ’27 and Cannabis Entrepreneurship major Mackenzie Clee ’25 are credited with complete-game efforts that helped the team win the GNAC’s best-of-three series against University of Saint Joseph. In addition to great pitching by Jillian and Mackenzie, conference highlights included a tie-breaking sacrifice fly by Fashion Merchandising & Retailing major Jessica Forneiro ’27 on which Culinary Arts major Caroline Amorelli ’25 scored, plus Biomedical Engineering major Mady Lyons ’26 scoring her 13th home run of the seasons in addition to a sacrifice fly that resulted in two players scoring.
Men's Athletics Highlights
Under head coach Kevin Casey, JWU player highlights included Sports, Entertainment, Event - Management (SEEM) major Brett Nickerson ’26 striking out eight in a complete-game win; Business Administration major Ryan St.
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The Wildcat Spirit
Willie T. Wildcat is the official costumed mascot of JWU. The suit was redesigned and revealed at the annual family weekend on October 16, 2013, as an early start to the school's centennial year (2014). The new design, created by Devon Tsinzo (Providence Class of 2015), replaced all former costumes and is used across all campuses. Willie appears at home games, alumni events, and other special events, embodying the "Wildcat Way" of pride, courage, character, and community.
Exercise and Sports Science Program
For students passionate about the human body, injury recovery, and the holistic integration of nutrition, psychology, and exercise for health, JWU Providence offers an exceptional Exercise and Sports Science program. This program emphasizes hands-on, experiential education, providing students with practical skills in state-of-the-art labs. Students can also apply free elective credit to options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internships, minors, or study abroad.
The Exercise and Sports Science program stands out with its emphasis on holistic education and practical application. Hands-on, experiential education is at the heart of our Exercise and Sports Science program. Students gain practical skills in our two new labs equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing for firsthand clinical practice and groundbreaking research.
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