MIAMI – The career change for Florida’s former lieutenant governor was sudden, and to most, surprising.
Jeanette Nunez is Florida International University’s new president, interim, technically.
She is a two time alum there and an FIU mom, a former Florida lawmaker and, before that, in health care government relations.
“They were going to have to start the succession planning regardless, I think that spiraled into opportunity and timing,” said Nunez. “We are really looking at areas of technology and innovation. The vision I have for FIU is really to make it the university of first choice.”
To her skeptics, Nunez is the most recent conservative Florida politician placed in leadership at a Florida university.
FIU’s Senate Faculty President, Noel Barengo, was the sole no vote as the board of trustees approved Nunez earlier this month over concerns with the state’s re-do of curricula, and all but abolishing professors’ tenure.
“We think it’s just another attempt of political interference by the governor, almost like dictatorial overreach,” said Barengo.
Speaking Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did not lessen those concerns.
“There was some protest from left-wing student and faculty and people said, ‘Oh man, did you see the protest was good,’” said DeSantis. “I was like, ‘If they’re not protesting then I must’ve done something wrong.’”
Nunez replaces Ken Jessell, who was well-regarded and successful by university measures. Jessell will remain at FIU.
