The only candidate for the position of Florida International University’s next president is the former lieutenant governor of Florida.
Jeanette Nuñez, a former Republican state politician who has been the school’s interim president since February and has the support of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, was unanimously chosen by the presidential search committee.
One of the biggest colleges in the nation, FIU has more than 56,000 students and serves a sizable portion of low-income, first-generation, and Hispanic students.
Roger Tovar, the chair of the FIU Board of Trustees, was approached directly by DeSantis’ office regarding Nuñez’s appointment to the temporary role.
At the time, Tovar remarked, “I can think of no better advocate for FIU than a two-time South Florida alumnus with the experience of serving in the Florida Legislature and her time as lieutenant governor.”
Two of her children also attended the university where Nuñez obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Carlos Duart, the vice chair of the board of trustees and leader of FIU’s search committee, said in a statement Thursday that Nuñez was chosen after two other finalists said they would only remain in the running if they were named the only applicant.
“Interim President Nuñez’s distinguished career and commitment to further cement FIU’s position as a leader in higher education in Florida and across the country make her an excellent leader for FIU at this pivotal point in our university’s journey,” Duart stated.
Many professors and students are concerned about the trend of Republican legislators aligned with DeSantis’ conservative agenda being selected by the boards responsible for selecting presidents of the state’s public schools and institutions.
One of the most recent and obvious examples of the governor’s influence on higher education is the appointment of DeSantis’ second-in-command to a presidency position, which often entails a multiyear contract for a six-figure salary and a luxurious on-campus apartment.
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This legislative session saw the failure of measures intended to limit the governor’s power over university presidential searches.
FIU will host campus forums with Nuñez next week so that staff, faculty, and students can ask questions. She will then appear in public for an interview with the school’s board. The board of governors of the state must confirm her nomination.
