MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita “Sunny” Cooke participates in the 2025 Monarch Celebration on May 3 during Undocumented Student Success Week. (MiraCosta College photo)
MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Sunita “Sunny” Cooke recently announced plans to retire next year after a decade with the district and nearly 40 years in higher education.
“After much reflection, I have decided to retire in the summer of 2026,” Cooke said in a Sept. 30 college district news release. “This has not been an easy decision, as my years at MiraCosta College have been among the most rewarding of my life. It has been an honor to serve alongside extraordinary colleagues, united in our commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening our community through education.”
MiraCosta’s Board of Trustees will launch a national search for Cooke’s successor sometime this academic year, according to the district’s news release. The MiraCosta College Foundation also announced that it would establish a legacy fund in her honor.
Cooke joined MiraCosta after serving as president of Grossmont College in El Cajon from 2007 to 2015. She started her career in biology and biotechnology education after earning her Ph.D. in biology from Georgetown University.
During her time as MiraCosta’s superintendent and president, the college district saw the approval and implementation of the $455 million Measure MM facilities bond to modernize and expand its facilities. MiraCosta has its main campus in Oceanside with an additional campus in the Cardiff community of Encinitas.
The district also launched California’s first community college bachelor’s degree in biomanufacturing and received about $46 million in state and federal grants to support programs and students over the past five years.
“Dr. Cooke has transformed MiraCosta College into a nationally recognized leader in innovation and student success,” Board of Trustees President Rick Cassar said in the district’s news release. “Her vision has not only strengthened the college today but has also positioned MiraCosta to remain at the forefront of higher education well into the future.”
Cooke has also taken leadership roles in greater higher education. She chaired the state’s Task Force on Workforce and a Strong Economy in 2015, and has served as chair of the American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors and as an officer of the California Community Colleges CEO Board. Cooke also served on the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation’s executive committee, in addition to the boards of Biocom and local chambers of commerce.
Her efforts have led to recognition from local and regional organizations and media outlets as well. Cooke was named to the San Diego Top 500 Influential Leaders list, and she received the Pacific Region CEO Award from the American Association of Community College Trustees and the North County Steward Award from the San Diego North Economic Development Council. The San Diego Business Journal named her to its Women Who Mean Business and Top 50 Women of Influence lists.
“I am not sure there is a person anywhere in our community who has had more influence on the direction of our region’s workforce and economic development efforts over the last 18 years than Dr. Sunny Cooke,” San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark Cafferty said in MiraCosta’s news release. “Her vision, partnership, leadership, and compassion have all helped change and improve systems while changing and improving lives.”
The MiraCosta College Foundation’s planned legacy fund will aim to honor Cooke’s influence on the district, according to foundation President Janice Kurth. Specifics of the fund will be developed over the next several months.
“Dr. Cooke’s visionary leadership has touched every part of MiraCosta College and the communities we serve,” Kurth said in the district’s news release. “This legacy fund will provide a lasting way for donors and partners to celebrate her impact and ensure that her commitment to student success endures for generations to come.”
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