A message from Interim President-designate Jeanette Nuñez

Dear FIU community,

I am honored and privileged to share that last week Chair Roger Tovar and the Board of Trustees announced my appointment as Interim President of Florida International University. I am humbled by the trust that has been placed in me. It is a responsibility that I accept with gratitude, a full heart for FIU, and a promise to lead with courage and clarity.

As I officially assume the role of Interim President on Monday, February 17, I want to share more about myself and my longstanding personal and professional connection to FIU. After more than 15 years serving the great State of Florida – both as a State Representative and Lieutenant Governor of Florida – I am proud that my career has brought me back home to FIU. This university has been a central part of my life and that of my family.

First and foremost, I know FIU as a student. During the summer of 1989, I set foot on campus for the first time. I was a high school student working a summer job at the Office of the Registrar, located on the first floor of Primera Casa. The following year, I returned to that same job and enrolled at FIU as an undergraduate student because I knew FIU was where I wanted to be. Over the next four years, I worked at the university and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations.

I have such fond memories of FIU during that time. It was a very different campus and one of my favorite lunch spots was Gracie’s Grill (where Chili’s is located today). Much like the students of today, I enjoyed spending time with friends and classmates at the GC Pit, and even taking classes with my high school and college sweetheart, now husband, of over 29 years.

In 1998, I became a two-time alumna of this amazing university, and graduated with a Master of Public Administration.

I know FIU as a proud Panther parent. Two of my three children are alumni – and my oldest son is now working on a professional degree at FIU. It has been incredibly rewarding to witness my children’s experience at FIU, like I did years ago, and it has only reinforced my belief in FIU’s greatness.

I know FIU as an adjunct faculty member. Before I served in public office, I worked in healthcare administration and taught a graduate-level course on health policy at FIU. I have also served as a guest lecturer over the years. It has been immensely rewarding to share my professional experiences with students and to witness firsthand their talent and eagerness to learn.

I know FIU as a public servant. As a former State Representative and as Florida’s 20^th Lieutenant Governor, I have had the privilege of being a champion for FIU across state government. Year after year, I have seen the dedication of administrators, deans, faculty, researchers, and students to grow and enhance the university’s presence and prominence. It has been my honor to support FIU throughout my years in Tallahassee and I am confident that we will continue to elevate FIU at the local, state, and national level.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the FIU Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve my alma mater.

To President Kenneth A. Jessell, thank you for leading FIU during a period of historic success. I am honored and humbled that you will continue this journey with us.

To our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the entire Panther family, I look forward to working alongside each of you in the weeks and months to come as we continue to elevate FIU. If you see me around campus, please say hello. I’d love to meet you.

The future is bright, and the future is FIU!

Go Panthers!

Jeanette Nuñez
Interim President Designate