FIU Board of Trustees elect alumna Jeanette Nunez as 7th president of the university

The Florida International University Board of Trustees has unanimously named former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette M Nunez the permanent head of the university citing her proven record of leadership and unique qualifications Nunez has served the State of Florida in various executive positions for years including tenures as a state representative and as the th lieutenant governor She was named interim president in February working closely with FIU s attendee body to help implement the university s strategic plan Experience Impact which focuses on improving the apprentice experience ensuring research excellence and establishing and strengthening strategic alliances She was one of three finalists chosen by the university s search committee Ultimately the other two candidates a sitting president and a sitting provost at other institutions decided to not move forward to the final phase Upon balloting she will be the first alumna and woman to serve as president in the university s history having earned a bachelor s degree from FIU in political science and international relations in and a master s in society administration in The Board of Trustees interviewed Nunez Monday morning about an array of topics including undocumented students and diversity to her priorities upon assuming office I think the most of significant priority is ensuring FIU is well represented in Tallahassee and Washington she commented Right now as we head into the final days and final weeks of the legislative session as you know FIU is a state university and much of our funding derives from Tallahassee So ensuring that our requests that we re in constant communication with the leaders the decision makers the appropriation chairs the speaker the president of the house and ultimately the governor to ensure FIU s success at the state legislative process Although the decision was unanimous a small group of students protested the decision outside the Graham Center Ballroom Nunez is expected to receive an annual salary of for the duration of her contract The Board of Trustees decision is set to go before the Florida Board of Governors for a final decision and confirmation on June th