Johnson and Wales lays off 91 staff members

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Johnson and Wales University has reduced its overall workforce by 5 percent by laying off 91 staff members.

A spokesperson said the decision, which was announced in a memo sent to the university’s community, was made on May 5 following deliberations by university leadership.

The memo cited addressing a budgetary deficit and structural imbalance within the university’s budget as reasons for the cuts.

“We simply cannot afford to be the size that we once were, and we believe that the university will emerge from this challenging moment stronger and with a robust fiscal outlook for growth, success and student achievement,” Chancellor Mim Runey said.

A university spokesperson said the layoffs will affect faculty and staff at both JWU’s Providence and Charlotte, N.C. campuses.