Florida International University welcomes a new interim president this morning: Jeanette Nuñez, Florida’s lieutenant governor since 2019.
A proud FIU alumna, Nuñez graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in 1994 and a master’s in 1998. She is the first Hispanic woman to serve as the state’s lieutenant governor.
Nuñez’s nomination comes at the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to FIU trustee Roger Tovar.
She will take over the role following the departure of Dr. Kenneth Jessell, who served as FIU’s sixth president from November 2022 until February 2025.
Dr. Jessell, who was appointed interim president in January 2022 and unanimously voted president-designate only nine months later, said his time at FIU was some of his most fulfilling.
Lee Caplin, founder of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, praised Dr. Jessell’s leadership, noting that his commitment to the university helped steer it in the right direction.
“I don’t think it was ever his intention to stay here in that position for a long time,” Caplin said. “But he stepped … he’s just that kind of guy.”
On Friday, the FIU Board of Trustees voted 11-1 to ratify the appointment of Nuñez, marking a historic moment for the university. She is the first Hispanic female to assume the role of interim president at FIU.
Nuñez’s experience in public service spans a decade. Prior to her tenure as lieutenant governor, she served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018.
As lieutenant governor, she oversaw the Florida Department of Health while chairing Space Florida and the Cybersecurity Task Force.
Caplin expressed optimism for FIU’s future, adding that Dr. Jessell’s guidance will secure the university’s success as one of the top public universities in the nation.
“I look forward to his staying in the FIU family, caring for the students, caring for the administration, and having that long-range vision that makes our university number three in the nation among all public universities,” Caplin said.
Nuñez is expected to assume her new role on Feb. 17, 2025.
