Students and faculty at Florida International University staged a walkout on Thursday in protest of the appointment of Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as the university’s interim president. Without a search, Nuñez was appointed Feb. 7 by the Board of Trustees in an 11 to 1 board vote.

CBS News Miami's Joe Gorchow spoke with current school president and others about what her tenure means for the school.

Florida International University’s Board of Trustees is expected to name Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez interim president on Friday, according to two sources familiar with the school’s plans.

If Nunez is selected, she would resign as lieutenant governor and Gov. Ron DeSantis would have to appoint a replacement. DeFede says a source familiar with the discussions says there is no urgency to select a new lieutenant governor and DeSantis would keep the position open for a while.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez was appointed FIU interim president, effective Feb. 17, 2025, following Kenneth Jessell's early departure.

Lt. Gov. Nuñez was hired at the state-funded school at the request of the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Many students and faculty have pushed back on her appointment, expressing concern over political interests the selection represents.