Jeanette Nuñez is the Sole Finalist for FIU Presidency

Introduction to the Selection Process

TALLAHASSEE — Former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, who was appointed interim president of Florida International University in February, is the sole finalist to become president of the Miami-based school, the chairman of a search committee announced Thursday.

The Selection Committee’s Decision

Carlos Duart, an FIU trustee who led the search committee, wrote in a message to the university community that the committee selected three finalists, but two said they would only continue to a public phase of the process if they were chosen as the lone candidate. “As a result, these two finalists withdrew their candidacy,” Duart wrote. “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.”

Next Steps in the Process

The trustees and the state university system’s Board of Governors would have to approve hiring Nuñez as president. Duart’s message said Nuñez will take part in campus forums on May 21, and the Board of Trustees will meet June 2 to formally interview her.

Background on Jeanette Nuñez

Nuñez, a Miami Republican who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at FIU, left the lieutenant governor’s job to become interim president. She replaced Kenneth Jessell, who had served as FIU’s president since 2022. While the FIU Board of Trustees did not specifically discuss Nuñez serving as president on a more-permanent basis at the time she took the interim post, trustee Dean Colson during a Feb. 7 meeting indicated the “probable results of the search are already known.”

Details of the Search Process

Duart’s message Thursday said the search committee selected as finalists Nuñez and a “sitting president and sitting provost at other institutions.” He did not identify the other two candidates. State law provides public-records and public-meetings exemptions for information about candidates to become university presidents, though the identities of final candidates are released as they are vetted publicly. The Florida House this spring tried to get rid of the exemptions, but the Senate did not go along.

Qualifications and Support for Nuñez

Duart wrote that FIU is “central to Interim President Nuñez’s life and that of her family.” “Interim President Nuñez’s distinguished career and commitment to further cement FIU’s position as a leader in higher education in Florida and across the country make her an excellent leader for FIU at this pivotal point in our university’s journey,” he wrote. Nuñez, who also is a former state House member, is making an annual base salary of $850,000 as interim president and is eligible for a bonus up to 15%, according to information released in February.

Context of University Leadership Changes

The announcements this week about Nuñez and Ono being the sole finalists for the FIU and UF jobs have come amid heavy turnover in leadership of state universities and colleges. For example, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner was chosen in February to become president of Florida Atlantic University. Also, Florida A&M University last month announced the names of four finalists to become its president, and University of South Florida President Rhea Law has announced she is stepping down.

Conclusion

The selection of Jeanette Nuñez as the sole finalist for the presidency of Florida International University marks a significant step in the institution’s leadership transition. With her background and experience, Nuñez is poised to lead FIU forward, building on its strengths and addressing its challenges. The upcoming campus forums and formal interview with the Board of Trustees will provide opportunities for the university community to engage with Nuñez and learn more about her vision for FIU’s future.

FAQs

• Q: Who is the sole finalist for the presidency of Florida International University?
  A: Jeanette Nuñez, the current interim president, is the sole finalist.
• Q: What is the next step in the selection process?
  A: Nuñez will participate in campus forums on May 21, followed by a formal interview with the Board of Trustees on June 2.
• Q: What is Nuñez’s background and experience?
  A: Nuñez is a former Lt. Gov. of Florida, a Miami Republican, and an alumna of FIU, having received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
• Q: What is the significance of Nuñez’s selection as the sole finalist?
  A: Her selection marks a significant step in FIU’s leadership transition, and she is poised to lead the university forward with her experience and vision.