Jeanette Nuñez, who has spent her career in politics, has a resume that marks a departure from previous FIU presidents. Unlike the university’s past two presidents, Nuñez — who was selected without a search — does not have experience in education administration nor extensive experience in academia.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez was appointed FIU interim president, effective Feb. 17, 2025, following Kenneth Jessell's early departure.

The FIU Board of Trustees voted 11 to 1 to hire Nuñez as Interim President, finalizing plans Gov. Ron DeSantis set in motion weeks ago to install his second-in-command in the public university’s top post. “I am honored,” Nuñez said in a statement.

The Florida International University Board of Trustees on Friday approved appointing Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as the school’s interim president, setting the stage for Gov. Ron DeSantis to choose a

Florida International University’s Board of Trustees agreed to make Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jeanette M. Nuñez interim president and assign current President Kenneth Jessell to a new executive role.

Florida International University’s Board of Trustees is expected to name Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez interim president on Friday, according to two sources familiar with the school’s plans.