Oceanside CA– At its October 1 meeting, the MiraCosta Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Sunita (“Sunny”) Cooke as the college’s next superintendent/president. She has accepted.
Dr. Cooke currently serves as president of Grossmont College, located in El Cajon, California. Since her arrival there in 2007, the college has developed long-term plans, streamlined planning processes and created a culture of continuous improvement. As a result of this, the college has improved access, success and completion metrics for students.
“We are extremely excited about someone of Dr. Cooke’s ability and track record becoming MiraCosta’s superintendent/president. She has proven in her previous posts that she is a visionary and effective leader with the ability to work in an academic environment,” said MiraCosta College Board of Trustees President David Broad.
Born in Lucknow, India, Dr. Cooke immigrated to the United States with her family in 1968. After being awarded a doctorate in biology at Georgetown University, she completed a postdoctoral training program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, in the molecular aspects of cell adhesion and metastasis. She then became a founding faculty member of Lone Star-Montgomery College in north Houston, Texas.
Prior to joining Grossmont College, Dr. Cooke spent 12 years with the Lonestar System, where she served as professor of biology; director of a biotechnology institute; dean of sciences, health and wellness; and associate vice chancellor for workforce development. She has taught full time and part time for more than 13 years and continues to teach each summer in the community college leadership doctoral program at San Diego State University.
“I could not be happier about joining the fine faculty, staff and administrators of MiraCosta College as we continue to build on the 80-year tradition of excellence in service to students and our community,” said Dr. Cooke.
Dr. Cooke is scheduled to assume the post of superintendent/president in January 2015, taking over from Interim Superintendent/President Dick Robertson.
“The board is very grateful to Dr. Dick Robertson for the outstanding leadership he has shown during this period as interim superintendent/president,” said Board President Broad. Following Dr. Cooke’s arrival, Dr. Robertson will return to his role as the college’s vice president of Student Services.
The MiraCosta College Board of Trustees will ratify Dr. Cooke’s contract in open session at its October 22 meeting.