Jacob Ogles
A search committee at Florida International University just named Interim President Jeanette Nuñez as its sole choice to be the permanent President.
FIU picked Nuñez, Florida’s Lieutenant Governor for most of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration, as its Interim President in February. The longtime Miami-Dade politician had to leave her post in the administration to take on the new role, and was widely considered the likely choice to become the permanent President.
“I’m honored and humbled to move forward in the FIU presidential search process,” she posted on X. “Thank you to Chair Carlos Duart and the Presidential Search Committee for the opportunity to interview and share my vision for FIU. I look forward to connecting with FIU students, faculty and staff during the upcoming forums.”
Duart in a statement released by FIU said two other finalists had been considered by the search committee, but they only wanted to move into a public phase of the search if they were the sole finalists being considered.
“As a result, these two finalists withdrew their candidacy,” Duart said. “Given her proven record of leadership and unique qualifications, the Committee unanimously agreed to move Interim President Nuñez forward as its sole finalist for consideration by the FIU Board of Trustees.”
Duart praised Nuñez’s leadership at the school to date.
“Since her appointment in February, Interim President Nuñez has worked tirelessly with great enthusiasm and passion and a firm commitment to our students and the overall success of FIU. Guided by FIU’s strategic plan, Experience Impact 2030, she has engaged meaningfully with our students, faculty, staff, and community, focusing on improving the student experience, ensuring research excellence, and establishing and strengthening strategic alliances,” he said.
“Our university is central to Interim President Nuñez’s life and that of her family. She is a proud double alumna, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations in 1994 and a master’s degree in public administration in 1998. She is also a proud Panther parent and former adjunct faculty member, having taught a graduate-level course on health policy and serving as a guest lecturer over the years.”
Nuñez, before becoming DeSantis’ running mate in 2018, served in the Florida House, where she rose to the position of Speaker Pro Tempore. Before that, she worked as a lobbyist for Jackson Health System.
