Former Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez has been officially sworn in as Florida International University’s seventh president.
She had previously served as interim president after Kenneth A. Jessell’s contract expired.
In response to her appointment, Nuñez posted on social media.
“I am humbled by the trust that has been placed in me by the FIU Board of Trustees to serve as the seventh President of my alma mater.” Nuñez wrote. “FIU is a preeminent, top 50, major public research university and I look forward to leading our institution to even greater success.”
U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, (R-FL), also posted on social media, congratulating Nuñez on her appointment.
“A historic first for our community! Congratulations to my friend and Former Lt. Gov. Jeannette Nuñez on becoming FIU’s first female president. I know under her fearless leadership, Panther Nation is in strong hands.”
Despite this, students and faculty at FIU have protested Nuñez’s appointment since she was named interim president on February 17, 2025.
Critics pointed out Nuñez’s conservative political views and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s administration lending aid to her appointment, with protesters chanting “Ron DeSantis, hear our chant; we reject your right-wing plans."
FIU Board Chair Rogelio Tovar acknowledged that the governor's office had suggested Nunez for the role.
"When you get a call from the governor's office, you consider what they're saying. You give it some thought.” Tovar said in an interview with CBS News.
On the contrary, former President Jessel dismissed the claim of the DeSantis administration playing a role in Nuñez’s appointment.
"Absolutely not. She has a responsibility to her constituents. Now she's the president of FIU and her responsibility is to the university." Jessel said in the same CBS interview.
