The Florida International University Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday to appoint Jeanette Nuñez as the institution’s next president, pending confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.

Nuñez, who has served as interim president since February, would become the first FIU alumna to hold the position.

Nuñez holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from FIU and previously served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching a graduate course on health policy.

Prior to her interim role, she spent 15 years in public service, including as a state representative and as Florida’s lieutenant governor. Her professional background also includes senior leadership positions in government affairs at Jackson Health Systems, Kendall Regional Medical Center and Aventura Hospital.

Nuñez emerged as the sole finalist in a national search process after two other candidates, a sitting university president and a provost, withdrew from consideration.

The search committee, chaired by FIU Vice Chair Carlos A. Duart, cited her record of leadership and longstanding ties to the university.