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Jeanette Nuñez Appointed Interim President of FIU

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News Summary

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez has been appointed as the interim president of Florida International University (FIU), following a board meeting with significant support. While her return to the university is welcomed by some, others express concerns over her political stances, particularly relating to in-state tuition for undocumented students. As the university navigates this transition, it faces challenges in addressing funding needs and maintaining harmony within its community.

Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez Takes the Helm as Interim President of Florida International University

In a significant move for Florida International University (FIU), located in Miami, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez has been appointed as the interim president. This decision was made by the FIU Board of Trustees during a meeting on a recent Friday. All but one board member voted in favor of Nuñez’s transition into this prominent role, signaling a warm welcome for the new leader.

The board chair, who was pivotal in the decision, emphasized that the suggestion to consider Nuñez for the presidency came from the office of Governor Ron DeSantis. The chair described Nuñez as an impressive advocate for FIU and a great opportunity for the university’s future. This excitement, however, was met with a fair share of opposition.

Voices of Dissent

Current interim president Kenneth Jessell, who has been steering the ship for three years, is set to step down but will transition into the role of senior vice president and chief administrative officer at FIU. Jessell had been a steady leader for the university and expressed no desire to continue with the title of president, focusing instead on his new position.

Political Climate and Future Prospects

The appointment of Nuñez, a two-time alumna of FIU, marks her significant return to the institution after serving as lieutenant governor since January 2019. Nuñez’s annual salary as lieutenant governor stands at approximately $135,516, which contrasts sharply with Jessell’s compensation package, totalling around $650,000, complete with bonuses.

Looking Ahead

FIU is currently hosting around 58,000 students and operates on an impressive budget of around $1.9 billion. Given these figures, the university is looking ahead to improve its funding and support systems as it prepares for the upcoming legislative session starting March 4, 2025. The Board of Trustees is expected to conduct a formal search for a permanent president, with careful consideration of the university’s funding needs and the prevailing political landscape.

As FIU embarks on this new journey with Jeanette Nuñez at the helm as interim president, the institution finds itself at a crossroads, balancing tradition with the demands of changing political tides. Faculty members have made it clear they would have preferred to continue with Jessell as president, reflecting the unease surrounding political motivations in university leadership. It will be interesting to see how Nuñez navigates these challenges and what future paths she will carve out at one of Florida’s largest public universities.