We have two recent examples of how Trustees have handled presidential searches; each has taken a very different approach. In February, the University of South Florida (USF) and Florida International University (FIU) began presidential searches.
- USF is still gathering candidates and conducting community and campus listening sessions. FIU is on the cusp of naming former Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez its new president.
University of South Florida
Feb. 2025
The 15-member Presidential Search Committee was appointed on February 20, 2025, by USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford. The committee includes trustees, faculty, a student, and prominent business and community leaders from the Tampa Bay region, ensuring broad representation.
USF has retained SP&A Executive Search, the firm used in the previous presidential search, to assist with candidate recruitment and vetting.
The search is structured in four phases:
1. Listening sessions and committee orientation
2. Board of Trustees approval of the search plan and position description
3. Candidate identification, recruitment, and interviews
4. Finalist interviews and selection by the Board of Trustees, pending confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Candidate Review: The committee will recommend a small, unranked group of qualified finalists to the Board of Trustees. In accordance with Florida law, only the names of finalists are made public.
Final Selection: The Board of Trustees will interview the finalists and select the next president, subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors.
Current Status: As of May 13, 2025, the search committee has begun its work, with listening sessions and committee meetings underway. President Rhea Law will remain in office until her successor is chosen.
Florida International University
Feb. 2025
A 15-member Presidential Search Committee, including trustees, faculty, students, alumni, and community representatives, was appointed to conduct a transparent and effective nationwide search. The process was assisted by the executive search firm R. William Funk & Associates.
- Jeanette Nuñez—a FIU alumna and Lieutenant Governor of Florida—became Interim President in February 2025 following the departure of President Kenneth Jessell.
March-April 2025
The committee identified and interviewed multiple candidates, including a sitting president and a sitting provost from other institutions, as well as Interim President Nuñez.
May 8, 2025
However, two of the three finalists withdrew, stating they would only proceed if named the sole candidate. As a result, Nuñez was unanimously advanced as the only finalist for consideration by the Board of Trustees.
May 21, 2025
Open forums for students, faculty, and staff are scheduled at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus, allowing the university community to interact with Nuñez and provide feedback. An online survey is also available for broader input.
June 2, 2025
The FIU Board of Trustees will hold a public meeting on June 2, 2025, for an on-campus interview with Nuñez and to consider community feedback before making their final decision.
Next Step
The State Board of Governors will approve her hiring.
Prediction
UWF will go the FIU route. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz will be appointed interim president/. The Board of Trustees will appoint a search committee that will recommend Diaz.