Jeanette Nuñez: Interim president working to make FIU a top-30 university

In February, Florida International University appointed Jeanette M. Nuñez as its interim president, marking a historic milestone as the first Hispanic woman to lead the institution. Mrs. Nuñez, who had served as Florida’s lieutenant governor since 2019, stepped into the role following the departure of Dr. Kenneth Jessell, FIU’s sixth president since November 2022.
Born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, Mrs. Nuñez’s ties to FIU run deep. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from the university in 1994, followed by a master’s in public administration in 1998. Her early career included roles in healthcare administration and public service before she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010, where she served for eight years, rising to speaker pro tempore.

As lieutenant governor, Mrs. Nuñez played a key role in state policy, overseeing the Florida Department of Health and chairing initiatives like Space Florida and the Cybersecurity Task Force. Throughout her career, she has remained connected to FIU, previously serving as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer.

Now leading her alma mater, Mrs. Nuñez has pledged to strengthen FIU’s academic rigor, expand research excellence and enhance student success. She aims to build on FIU’s national standing while prioritizing workforce development and innovation.
Mrs. Nuñez spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen. 

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