Aniela Cabrera and Fariha Tasnim Amir | Staff Writer
Jeanette Nuñez sought to reassure a tense campus community and to position herself as the right choice to lead FIU.
On Wednesday, FIU hosted community sessions to give university members a chance to learn about Interim President Nuñez’s qualifications and ask questions, either live or sent in advance.
Some major key points brought up in sessions were the focus of “the future” and “pushing FIU forward.” Nuñez leaned on her background in public service, highlighting her intent to “make calls” to improve resources and opportunities for the university.
When discussing how the university would progress under her leadership, Nuñez placed particular emphasis on these key departments: business, health, technology, and law. She highlighted existing partnerships with Baptist Health and spotlighted notable alumni from the public affairs department. Additionally, she noted that FIU law students currently hold the highest bar passage rate in the state.
With around 20 attendees present, R. William ‘Bill’ Funk, Founder and President of Funk Associates, introduced finalist Jeanette M. Nuñez and kicked off the first event of the day—the Community Forum.
Presidential candidate Jeanette Nuñez addressed the discourse surrounding the search process for the position. She stated that she had no issue competing for the position unlike the two other finalists who had withdrawn from the running, making her the sole finalist presenting before the FIU Board of Trustees.
Reflecting on her experience serving as the interim president for the past 3 months, Jeanette stated that she has listened to the concerns of many students and she plans to work on the worries regarding internships and the growing athletics program. She also mentioned that she believes FIU has the potential to rise from the ranks of current Top 50 to a Top 30 institution in the US in the upcoming years.
The staff/administrators forum commenced with roughly 35 attendees present.
On the topic of flexible work options for staff and faculty, Presidential Candidate Jeanette implied that she will lean towards in-person roles for the best interest of the shared goal of “student success”. “In everything we do for the students…we have to be present. I don’t think we can be remote and help students be successful.”, Jeanette stated.
The faculty session had roughly 70 attendees, including many non-faculty members.
During the faculty session, Nuñez touched on the “draw” FIU has for international students and the safety of students.
Vanessa Sohan, Associate Professor of English, expressed optimism about the new president’s commitment to FIU and efforts to enhance the university’s visibility at both the state and national levels. However, she emphasized the need for more than aspirational goals and external partnerships, calling for greater attention to non-funded research and increased support for the humanities.
Susanne Zwingel, a professor in the Politics and International Relations department, expressed concern that the university’s vision felt uneven. “When she spoke about her vision, it clearly included areas like health, technology, and business—but other departments, like ours, felt left out. I’m not sure where we fit in.”
When asked about DEI, Nuñez said FIU would comply with state and federal mandates. She emphasized a merit-based approach, stating, “I personally believe that we need to view our students from the standpoint of meritocracy, character development, and competitiveness. And so I don’t believe, personally, that we should be putting certain outcomes or putting certain people in different categories, separating our students and being divisive.”
In response to raised concerns about suspension of federal grants reduction towards research in FIU, Jeanette acknowledged that the recent termination of 54 grants caused FIU to lose $36 million which is roughly 10% of the institution’s current research expenditures. However she’s hopeful that some of those grants will be reinstated and as FIU continues submitting quality proposals for grant consideration, the institution will continue to prove its excellence and why it’s worthy of receiving federal grants.
Nuñez further shared instances from her recent conversations with the NIH Director, noting a possible shift in the federal administration’s priorities to distribute research fundings in the future. She mentioned there’s a possibility of the federal administration moving away from traditional Ivy League institutions and funnelling those grants toward public universities like FIU that have demonstrated strong research outcomes. She emphasized her optimistic vision for the future, stating, “We’re currently at $328 million, I’d like it to be $600 million in the next several years.”
The student session had roughly 15 attendees. Nuñez highlighted her focus on increased student participation, expanding internship opportunities, supporting student success, and fostering free speech. She also positioned herself as the university’s main spokesperson, committed to elevating FIU’s visibility.
In response to a PantherNOW reporter’s question about how ICE would impact student well-being and DEI programs, Nuñez cited FIU’s participation in the 287(g) agreement, which allows FIU Police to handle ICE detainments. She noted that students who had lost their F1 visas have since had them reinstated but did not clarify whether they would return to campus.
A member of FIU’s YDSA raised concerns about the approximately 500 undocumented students whose in-state tuition is at risk of ending.
Nuñez responded that in-state tuition for undocumented students has “run-its-course”, adding,“ . . . no one has the right to demand that FIU can fund these particular scholarships or these particular rates. We have to make very difficult decisions as it relates to our students.”
Notably, Nuñez was a proponent of in-state tuition for undocumented students when she served in the Florida Legislature. A position she has since changed.
When asked about preserving open dialogue and fostering a safe, diverse community, Nuñez pointed to the national rise in antisemitism. She stressed the importance of critical thinking and respectful discourse, saying, “FIU should be a place to question, seek truth, and pursue excellence. Civility is key. We must do better in allowing diverse viewpoints while maintaining respect for differing opinions.”
Nuñez also revealed that she has plans to commence a series in the coming months where 2 renowned professors with opposing beliefs in their personal views, politics and philosophy will participate in a civil debate.
Some attendees reacted skeptically, mainly due to the current perceived limitation on “free-speech” and certain class subjects at FIU and in Florida.
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