University of South Florida Attorney President Lea announced her resignation, indicating another change in leadership at Florida public universities. LAW’s departure will closely follow the appointment of new presidents at Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University. Nunes will assume the role of FIU interim president.
TALHASSEE – University of South Florida Attorney President Lea announced Monday that she will step down from her post as major changes continue in leadership at Florida public universities.
The law is a lawyer with a long-standing relationship with the USF and became interim president in 2021 before being nominated for president in March 2021. The announcement on Monday said that USF will quit the presidency after searching for successors.
“I have established bold goals during my tenure, and thanks to the dedicated team of talented faculty, staff, administrators and students, we have surpassed them. “Employees, students.” , After over 40 years as a board member, chair, donor, volunteer and current president, I am full of gratitude and pride for everything I have achieved. Serving this community as the eighth president of USF, It is an honor for my life and I look forward to supporting this incredible university’s continued success.”
The announcement came on the same day former Lieutenant Colonel Janet Nunez began serving as interim president of Florida International University.
Meanwhile, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University are operating with the interim president and Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf University, Florida State University, University of North Florida and New College of Florida, appointed presidents from 2021.
Monday’s announcement did not provide detailed reasons for the law’s decision to step down, but listed a series of achievements during his tenure. This includes joining the American College Association and helping guide the efforts to build on-campus soccer stadiums. .
“Rhea Law was truly the right leader at the University of South Florida at the right time,” Weatherford, chairman of the USF board, said in a prepared statement. “I am forever grateful that she was willing to accept this role tentatively in the first place, and members of our community will apply for her and support her in that position. After urging her to do so, she has been forever forever. By all means, Leah has been exceptional in bringing the university to an unprecedented level of success. For over 40 years, she has maintained a connection with USF. I did.
On February 7th, the Florida International University Council chose Nunes to become interim president in place of Kenneth Jessel, who had been president of the University of Miami since 2022. Nunes’ first day of work was Monday. .
“On my first day as interim president of Florida International University, I write to ensure that my commitment starts and ends with students, their success and the overall success of FIU,” Nunes said in a statement. He spoke in a message to the community. Posted online. “Together, we will further strengthen our position as a leader in higher education in states and across the nation.”
The State University System’s Governor’s Committee is scheduled to approve Nunes’ appointment as interim president and her contract on Thursday. She created a base salary of $850,000 a year and was able to receive up to 15% of her base salary ($127,500) according to a copy of the proposed contract posted on the University System website.
Under state rules, the FIU must search for a permanent president. The FIU committee on February 7th did not specifically discuss Nunez, where Nunez serves as permanent president, but Councillor Dean Colson said “potential results of the search are already known.” .
The system’s Governor’s Committee will also consider it to be appointed president of Florida Atlantic University in Husner on Thursday. Hasner will create a base salary of $875,000 a year, with a potential bonus of $150,000, according to a copy of the university system website.
