The Florida Board of Governors on Wednesday confirmed Jeanette Nuñez as the seventh president of Florida International University, making her the first graduate of the university to lead the institution.

The confirmation follows a unanimous vote by the FIU Board of Trustees on June 2 and comes after Nuñez served as interim president since February. 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.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the seventh president of FIU,” said Nuñez. “Four out of the last five years, FIU has earned its position as the top performing university in the state, proof that our approach is working. FIU is number one because of the commitment of our students, faculty, and staff to achieve excellence. Over the next five years, we will focus on sustaining our success through our strategic plan, Experience Impact 2030. Our vision is clear, our future is bold, and our time is now.”

A Miami native and FIU alumna, Nuñez becomes the first woman to hold the university’s presidency on a permanent basis. Her appointment follows the resignation of former FIU President Kenneth Jessell, who stepped down earlier this year.