MiraCosta College Superintendent/President Dr. Sunita “Sunny” Cooke has been named a recipient of the 2026 APAHE CEO Award by Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education, recognizing national leaders who advance equity, student success, and innovation in higher education.

With more than 40 years in higher education and over 11 years as the President/Superintendent at MiraCosta College, Dr. Cooke has led efforts that expand access, close equity gaps, and align programs with workforce needs. Her leadership continues to position MiraCosta College as a model for student success.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Cooke shared the significance of the moment and the community around her.

“It was such an honor to be with so many educators. They are the colleagues and friends I wish I had met much earlier in my career. Nearly twenty years ago, when I took my first presidency, there were only about 6 to 8 Asian and Pacific Islander presidents in higher ed.”

She added that seeing the next generation of leaders made the recognition even more meaningful.

“It’s so heartening to look out at this audience of future leaders and such a wonderful honor to be recognized by them.”

“The MiraCosta College community has reason to celebrate,” said Dr. Ailene Cua Crakes, Dean of Counseling and Student Development. “Dr. Cooke has been selected by the APAHE Board of Directors as a recipient of the prestigious 2026 APAHE CEO Award, recognizing executive leaders with an extraordinary commitment to equity, student success, and innovation in higher education.”

Dr. Crakes noted that Dr. Cooke’s leadership continues to shape the institution's future through a focus on innovation and long-term impact. The APAHE Board of Directors echoed this sentiment, recognizing Dr. Cooke’s visionary approach to institutional leadership:  

“Through her commitment to futures thinking, Dr. Cooke challenges us to ask whether we are creating the future we want or simply reacting to the one unfolding around us. She has expanded innovative academic pathways, intentionally closed achievement gaps, and empowered students, faculty, and community partners to design more just, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.”

Her impact is reflected not only at MiraCosta, but across the state and nation. Under her leadership, the college has earned recognition as an Achieving the Dream Leader College and Aspen Prize semifinalist, and she has served as Board Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges.

Her colleagues across higher education also recognize her leadership and influence.

“Sunny leads with clarity, courage, and heart. She is not only preparing students for the future, but she is also helping communities shape it,” said Rowena Tomaneng, Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Dr. Frank Chong, President Emeritus of Santa Rosa Junior College, added, “She is an inspirational leader who has touched thousands of lives. A woman warrior.”

MiraCosta College was also well represented at the APAHE 2026 National Conference in Anaheim, with faculty and staff participating and contributing to the broader conversation on leadership and equity in higher education.

This recognition reflects both Dr. Cooke’s leadership and the collective work of the MiraCosta College community to expand opportunity and support student success.

To learn more about Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education and the other APAHE CEO Awardees, visit their website.