Marie Bernardo-Sousa Announces Retirement from JWU

Johnson & Wales University campus as it prepares for a new chapter in leadership.

News Summary

After over three decades of service, Marie Bernardo-Sousa, president of Johnson & Wales University’s Providence campus, has announced her retirement effective August 2023. Her tenure has significantly shaped the university’s landscape, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. As the campus community prepares for a transitional phase in higher education, her legacy will continue to influence future developments.

Providence – Marie Bernardo-Sousa, president of Johnson & Wales University’s Providence campus, has announced her retirement after over three decades of dedicated service. Her retirement will take effect in August 2023, marking an end to a significant era for the university community.

Bernardo-Sousa began her journey with Johnson & Wales in 1988, steadily climbing the ranks through various positions before becoming president of the local campus in 2016. During her tenure, she has significantly influenced the university’s development and the local education landscape. In a recent interview with a local business publication, she reflected on her time at JWU and expressed her thoughts on the future of higher education in Rhode Island.

Challenges During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to Rhode Island’s colleges and universities, particularly during the fall semester. College presidents, including Bernardo-Sousa, highlighted the importance of resilience and teamwork in successfully navigating the difficult environment created by the pandemic. To protect student and community health, universities enforced strict safety measures and developed guidelines to ensure compliance among students.

Despite the challenges, students largely adhered to public health guidelines. This collective effort underscored the community’s willingness to prioritize health and safety. The shared experience of being away from campus further emphasized the importance of the traditional residential college experience, a sentiment echoed by various stakeholders in higher education.

Adaptations and Safety Measures

In response to the pandemic, Johnson & Wales University and other institutions adapted their events and ceremonies to safe, virtual formats. For instance, the university’s Ignite the Night ceremony transitioned to an online format, allowing students to celebrate safely. Although there were instances of COVID-19 outbreaks at some universities, contact tracing indicated that classrooms were generally not the source of transmission.

Initially, staffing for contact tracing proved to be a challenge for many higher education institutions. In response, Johnson & Wales implemented point-of-origin testing and focused on symptomatic testing to manage health concerns effectively during the fall semester. Nonetheless, a spike in COVID-19 cases within the local community led Johnson & Wales to temporarily shift to remote learning.

Impact on Wellbeing and Future Outlook

The ongoing pandemic significantly impacted the wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff, with numerous reports indicating heightened levels of anxiety and loneliness among these groups. As winter gave way to spring, university leaders expressed optimism for improvement in the new semester, especially with the rollout of vaccines. However, administrators remained cautious, recognizing that the upcoming semester might closely resemble the challenges faced in the fall.

Looking ahead, some institutions are aiming to resume traditional graduation ceremonies, with hopes of allowing families to witness these significant milestones in person once again. The combined efforts of university leaders and the commitment of the campus community to adapt to evolving circumstances will play a crucial role in the future of education in Rhode Island.

Conclusion

Marie Bernardo-Sousa’s retirement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Johnson & Wales University and the local educational landscape. As the Providence campus prepares to navigate the post-pandemic education environment, the legacy Bernardo-Sousa leaves behind will continue to influence the university’s trajectory for years to come.