Church’s Texas Chicken® Announces New Tuition Assistance Program with Bellevue University for Both Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

ATLANTA– January 13, 2025 – Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, is doubling down on its most valuable asset: its team members. Church’s® now provides employees with tuition assistance when they earn their degree from Bellevue University, a recognized national leader in helping motivated working adults earn a college degree. The program launched in September 2024, offers employees up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year.

“Our employees’ growth is the most important aspect of our business as our company thrives when our people do,” said Karen Viera, SVP and Chief People Officer at Church’s Texas Chicken®. “Our hope is that providing our employees with the opportunity to expand their learning at Bellevue University will empower them to attain their goals and succeed in their careers.”

In addition to Church’s Texas Chicken® Corporate Tuition Program, Bellevue University offers tuition assistance to all Church’s® corporate exempt and non-exempt employees, corporate restaurant managers, assistant restaurant managers, and corporate contractors after working at Church’s® for 30 days up to $5,250 per year. Franchisee employees are also eligible for tuition assistance up to $5,250 annually, and immediate family members of employees and franchisees are eligible for up to $3,500 annually. To qualify, participants must maintain full-time student status throughout their degree cohort program. The tuition reimbursement is eligible to full-time employees and franchisee employees over the course of a four-year bachelor’s degree program up to $21,000.

Employees can choose from more than 50 bachelor’s degrees and 30 master’s degrees, all offered online. In addition to tuition assistance, employees can take advantage of a generous credit transfer policy that honors associate’s degrees in full. Students also benefit from a variety of support services, including academic advising, online tutoring, a writing center, and ongoing professional development webinars. Applicants for the program must enroll online for the program through the Church’s Texas Chicken® portal to be eligible for the program.

Dr. Mary Hawkins, President of Bellevue University said, “Church’s Texas Chicken® understands the value of education for their employees and their families. Their success over the years is a direct result of their commitment to their team members. I’m excited about the possibilities of this unique partnership and we look forward to welcoming Church’s Texas Chicken® team members to Bellevue University.”

About Church’s Texas Chicken®
Founded in San Antonio, TX in 1952 by George W. Church Sr., Church’s Texas Chicken®, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken™ outside of the U.S., is one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world. The brands specialize in Original and Spicy Chicken freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches that are hand-battered and double-breaded, tenders, sandwiches, freshly baked Honey-Butter Biscuits™, and classic, home-style sides—all for a great value. Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™ have more than 1,500 locations in 23 countries and global markets, with system-wide sales of more than $1.4 billion. Owned by High Bluff Capital Partners and FS Investments since 2021, Church’s Texas Chicken® celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.

For more information, visit www.churchs.com and texaschicken.com. You can also follow Church’s Texas Chicken® on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. More details on franchising opportunities are available at franchise.churchstexaschicken.com or franchise.texaschicken.com.

About Bellevue University
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 85 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Contacts
Church’s Texas Chicken®
Kelly Kaufman
kelly@ksquaredgroup.com

Bellevue University
Cris Hay-Merchant, 402-557-7298 or 402-933-4998
chaymerchant@bellevue.edu