Kenneth A. Jessell
Kenneth Arthur Jessell (born July 10, 1955) is an American educator, university administrator, professor and the sixth and current president of Florida International University. He succeeded Mark B. Rosenberg as the interim president in January 2022, following Rosenberg's resignation and allegations of sexual harassment. He agreed to a three-year contract and an annual base salary of $650,000 and a performance-based bonus of $175,000, with his total compensation package coming out to $996,081, and was approved by the FIU Board of Trustees on October 17, 2022, and he was confirmed as president by the Florida Board of Governors on November 9, 2022.
Kenneth A. Jessell | |
|---|---|
| 6th President of Florida International University | |
| Assumed office November 9, 2022 | |
| In office January 21, 2022 – November 9, 2022 (interim) | |
| Preceded by | Mark B. Rosenberg |
| Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer of Florida International University | |
| In office 2009–2022 | |
| Succeeded by | Aime Martinez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1955 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Lori Jessell |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Florida State University (BA, MBA, PhD) |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Website | president |
Prior to becoming president Jessel had served as the senior vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer at FIU since 2009. He is also a professor of finance at the Florida International University College of Business.
Jessell received his Bachelor of Arts in political science from Florida State University. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in finance from FSU.
Jessell is a native South Floridian and he and his wife Lori reside in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, and have two adult children, Amanda and John, and a grandson James.