Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez Appointed Interim FIU President

News Summary

Florida International University has appointed Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez as its new interim president, succeeding Kenneth Jessell. The decision came after a significant board vote backing Nuñez, who has strong ties to the institution and a political background. While many support the appointment, some dissenting voices have raised concerns about her political experience versus academic qualifications. The transition marks a significant moment for FIU as it aims to increase state funding and elevate its ranking amidst mixed reactions from its community.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez Takes Interim Leadership Role at FIU

Miami, FL – In an unexpected turn of events, the Florida International University (FIU) Board of Trustees recently appointed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette M. Nuñez as their new interim president. This move, which took place during a special meeting this past Friday, saw a significant board vote of 12-1 backing Nuñez for the position.

Current FIU President Kenneth Jessell is transitioning to a new role as the senior vice president and chief administration officer. While many in the community are hopeful about the future, some apprehension lingers regarding the transition.

Political Influences at Play

Interestingly, the appointment comes on the heels of a suggestion from Governor Ron DeSantis’s office, as indicated by FIU Trustees Chair Rogelio Tovar. Nuñez has been a strong advocate for FIU, having obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, shaping her dedication and connection to the university.

Throughout the conversation about her potential presidency, Tovar expressed faith in Nuñez’s capabilities. Her past as a two-time alumna from South Florida and her legislative experience in the Florida House of Representatives were highlighted, reinforcing her suitability for the position.

The board’s decision allows Tovar to negotiate employment agreements for both Nuñez and Jessell, as well as to collaborate with a consulting firm regarding a formal presidential search in the future. It’s a significant shift not only for the individuals involved but for the entire university.

Mixed Reactions

Noel Barengo, who represents faculty interests, voiced concerns regarding Jessell’s valuable contributions to FIU’s achievements. Having been with FIU since 2009 and serving as president since October of last year, Jessell has left an indelible mark on the institution.

Following the vote, Jessell graciously expressed his gratitude for his tenure at FIU, reminding everyone of the efforts made during his presidency.

Political Figures at the Helm

Nuñez, who stepped into the role of lieutenant governor in 2018, previously held positions related to healthcare management before transitioning into politics. Her appointment aligns with a broader trend of political figures leading state universities, often stirring discussions about whether being a politician is more beneficial than having solid academic experience.

During the board meeting, many public comments were voiced against Nuñez’s nomination, raising alarms about her political stance and lack of direct academic experience. These sentiments suggest a divide among stakeholders regarding the leadership direction at FIU.

Future Goals for FIU

Looking ahead, board member Dean Colson stressed that increased state funding would be vital to elevate FIU’s university ranking. Chair Tovar has aggressive goals, including raising the university’s endowment to $500 million and ramping up fundraising for significant projects, such as a health center partnership with Baptist Health South Florida.

As Nuñez prepares for her new responsibilities, DeSantis has voiced confidence in her abilities, predicting she will excel in her new role while labeling her a champion for FIU.

Looking Ahead

While Nuñez’s resignation from her lieutenant governor position is anticipated soon, the exact timing remains up in the air. Reports suggest her new salary as president may be substantially higher than her current compensation, adding intrigue to her upcoming role.

The transition has sparked talks about who might take over as lieutenant governor, but for now, Governor DeSantis appears in no hurry to fill that position.

As this story unfolds, many in the FIU community—and indeed, across Florida—are watching closely to see how Nuñez’s leadership shapes the future of the university. The coming months will prove crucial, not only for FIU but for the broader educational landscape in the state.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Miami Herald: Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez Takes Interim Leadership Role at FIU
• CBS News: Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez Expected to be Named Interim FIU President
• NBC Miami: Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez Named Interim President of FIU
• Local 10: Report: Florida Lt. Gov. Nuñez Expected to be Named Next FIU President
• Google Search: Florida International University