MiraCosta College Celebrates ‘Built to Adapt’ Future, Honors Dr. Sunita "Sunny
Cooke’s Legacy at Annual Community Leaders Breakfast
More than 350 business, civic, and education leaders gathered at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa for MiraCosta College’s annual Community Leaders Breakfast: Report to the Region, themed Built to Adapt. Now in its 91st year, MiraCosta serves nearly 27,000 students annually across North County, advancing individual opportunity and regional prosperity. The event highlighted the college’s continued evolution to meet the region’s workforce and educational needs. It celebrated the visionary leadership of Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, who will retire in 2026 after more than a decade of transformative service.
In a nod to the event’s theme, guests used QR codes to vote live on the program order, symbolizing MiraCosta’s flexibility and connection to its community. The morning featured student stories, a workforce panel, and the announcement of new philanthropic milestones supporting student success.
The MiraCosta College Foundation reported a record $2.5 million distributed to the campus this year, including $1.5 million in direct support to 1,080 students through scholarships and emergency grants. The Foundation’s endowment reached $24 million, ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations. The Foundation also launched the Dr. Sunny Cooke Legacy Fund. It honored the Carlsbad Rotary Foundation as the 2025 Philanthropist of the Year for more than two decades of generosity and partnership.
At the event, Dr. Cooke announced that the National Science Foundation awarded MiraCosta two new grants totaling $1.7 million to expand its Bioscience Workforce Development Hub. The funding will strengthen dual enrollment, develop high school biotechnology lab kits, and create new apprenticeships and career pathways in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
“This recognition affirms that our adaptability is strengthening student success and the regional economy,” said Dr. Cooke.
That culture of adaptability extends across MiraCosta’s campuses. Measure MM, approved by voters in 2016, has delivered more than $500 million in modern, sustainable learning spaces that prepare the future workforce. The college has maintained AAA bond ratings from Moody’s and S&P, saving taxpayers millions.
The program was recently recognized with the Golden Watchdog Award and rated “Excellent” by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, affirming MiraCosta’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability to the community.
Reflecting on her 19 years as president, 11 years at MiraCosta College, Dr. Cooke thanked the faculty, staff, and community partners who share MiraCosta’s mission.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve this college and this community,” she said. “Together, we’ve reimagined what’s possible for students, and the region we call home.”
Dr. Cooke’s legacy extends far beyond MiraCosta. A nationally-recognized leader in higher education, she has served as president of the American Association of Community Colleges and represented more than 1,100 colleges nationwide in advancing student success and workforce innovation. Before joining MiraCosta in 2015, she led Grossmont College and served as a biology and biotechnology professor, bringing academic and administrative expertise to her leadership.
Over her career, Dr. Cooke has championed access, equity, and economic mobility, earning state and national recognition for building programs that prepare students for meaningful careers while ensuring affordability and inclusion remain at the heart of the community college mission.
