MiraCosta College Recognizes Retiring President Sunita Cooke

India-West Staff Reporter

OCEANSIDE, CA – MiraCosta College recently honored retiring Superintendent and President Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke at its annual Community Leaders Breakfast, celebrating her transformative 11-year tenure and the college’s “Built to Adapt” future. The event drew more than 350 civic, business, and education leaders.

Dr. Cooke, who will retire in 2026 after 19 years as a college president, has been recognized nationally for advancing access, equity, and economic mobility in higher education. Under her leadership, MiraCosta College launched new degrees and certificates, including a biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree, and significantly improved graduation and transfer rates while focusing on closing equity gaps. The college has earned national recognition as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize for Excellence semi-finalist.

During her tenure, the MiraCosta College Foundation distributed a record $2.5 million, including $1.5 million directly supporting 1,080 students. Its endowment reached $24 million, and a Dr. Sunny Cooke Legacy Fund was established in her honor.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve this college and this community,” Dr. Cooke said. “Together, we’ve reimagined what’s possible for students and the region we call home.”

Cooke began her career as a Biology/Biotechnology faculty member after earning her Ph.D. in Biology from Georgetown University. She has been a recognized California community college CEO for more than 18 years and was the first Indian-born leader elected president of the American Association of Community Colleges board.

Her accolades include San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business, NAACP Salute to Women of Color, inclusion in the San Diego Top 500 list, the 2020 CEO Award for the Pacific region from the American Association of Community College Trustees, and recognition as a top 50 Woman of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal.