Florida International University’s (FIU) Board of Trustees appointed Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez as its interim president, effective February 17, 2025.

The announcement was made by FIU Board of Trustees Chair Roger Tovar following a special meeting held on Friday morning. Nuñez, an FIU alumna, will assume the role as President Kenneth Jessell transitions to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

According to a transmission issued by Tovar, Nuñez’s appointment follows discussions with the Governor’s office, which recommended her as a potential candidate for the role. Nuñez subsequently confirmed her interest in leading the university. Prior to her service as Lieutenant Governor, Nuñez represented Miami-Dade County in the Florida Legislature for eight years.

“Looking ahead, I am excited that Lt. Gov. Nuñez is coming home to FIU,” Tovar wrote. “I can think of no better advocate for FIU than a two-time alumna, from South Florida, who also served in the legislature and as Lieutenant Governor. In the time that I have known Lt. Gov. Nuñez, I have always been impressed with her engagement and her tireless efforts as a champion of FIU.”

Speaking at a press conference in the Florida Capitol this morning, Gov. Ron DeSantis offered his support, but noted that erroneous media reports incorrectly claimed that Nuñez would resign from her state role on Friday. The governor commented that while her resignation will soon be announced, various logistical process prevent the vacancy from being opened immediately.

“I think it was misreported that she was going to resign today. That’s not true,” he said. “There’s going to be things that need to happen with contrats and approvals from different levels. But I do anticipate that all landing before the Legislative Session starts. ”

The Board of Trustees also announced the decision to retain an executive search firm to assist with the search for a permanent president, though Nuñez is widely anticipated to land the role. Jessell, who is in the final year of his contract, has led FIU for three years secured more than $140 million in new state funding during the last legislative session. Under Jessell’s leadership, FIU was additionally recognized as a Preeminent Florida Research University and ranked among the top 50 public universities in the U.S.