On October 24, 2025, history was made at Florida International University as Jeanette M. Nuñez was formally invested as the institution’s seventh president—and its first Cuban American, first woman, and first alumna to hold the role. The ceremony, held at FIU’s Ocean Bank Convocation Center, marked a powerful moment of legacy, leadership, and bold vision for the future of higher education in Florida.

Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Nuñez’s investiture represents a historic milestone not only for FIU but for the broader Cuban-American community in South Florida. Her father, Victor C. Sánchez, fled Havana in 1961 as a political exile, seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States. His story, like that of so many Cuban exiles, embodies resilience, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a better future. Nuñez’s rise to FIU’s presidency is a powerful reflection of that legacy.

Her leadership reflects the university’s deep roots in the region’s multicultural identity and its commitment to inclusive excellence. As the first Cuban American to lead FIU, Nuñez embodies the aspirations of generations who have shaped South Florida’s civic and educational landscape. Her presidency signals a new era of representation—one rooted in the lived experiences of the very communities FIU was built to serve.

Her journey from student to president is a testament to the transformative potential of public education. In her investiture speech, Nuñez shared: “To lead Florida International University—and as its first alumna—is both the greatest honor and the greatest responsibility of my career.”

A New Chapter for FIU

President Nuñez outlined three strategic pillars that will guide FIU’s next decade:

• Student Success: Ensuring every Panther graduates prepared to lead and proud of their FIU experience.

• Research Excellence: Doubling research expenditures and advancing innovation in resilience, health, and technology.

• Strategic Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with healthcare, business, and government sectors to amplify impact.

She also announced the launch of the SOAR Initiative, a fund designed to accelerate innovation by investing in faculty research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and programs that enhance the student experience.

A Ceremony of Legacy and Leadership

The event drew nearly 1,000 attendees, including state leaders, university trustees, and members of the FIU community. Video tributes from Governor Ron DeSantis and Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored Nuñez’s reputation as a trailblazer and dedicated public servant.

In her remarks, Nuñez honored her presidential predecessors and reaffirmed FIU’s role as a force for prosperity: “FIU is not just a university—it is a force for prosperity. It changes lives, launches careers, and fuels Florida’s economy.”