From one high school to a national network of Early and Middle Colleges, MCNC’s founder hands leadership to Alexandra Konet to continue the mission.
After more than three decades of visionary leadership, Dr. Cecilia “Cece” Cunningham, founder and Executive Director of the Middle College National Consortium (MCNC), has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2025. She will continue to serve MCNC as Director Emeritus, offering her guidance to the Administrative Team as they advance the organization’s mission of promoting equity in education and expanding college access.
During her tenure as principal of the original Middle College at LaGuardia Community College from 1981–2002, the school became the first public early college high school in the nation to focus on underserved students. Recognized for her successful implementation of this model, Cece was asked in the late 1980’s to co-direct the first efforts funded by The Ford Foundation to replicate Middle College High School.
Under her leadership, MCNC joined the Early College Initiative in 2002 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Ford Foundation. Over the next five years, MCNC transformed 10 existing Middle College High Schools into Early Colleges, launched 20 new schools, and partnered with the National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching (NCREST) to advance data-driven improvement.
A movement was born.
Since its founding in 1994, MCNC has shaped the national growth of the Middle/Early College and dual enrollment models, influencing practice and ultimately students through professional development, coaching, and partnerships. Cece’s vision and her ability to motivate other educators inspired the creation of affiliate organizations such as the Michigan Early/Middle College Association (MEMCA) and California Coalition of Early Middle Colleges (CCEMC).
“The work is far from over,” Cece has often said. With growing demand for alternatives to traditional high school—especially in Career & Technical Education, dual enrollment, and workforce development—the Middle/Early College model remains vital in ensuring that even the most vulnerable students succeed.
MCNC’s Board has named Alexandra Konet as the organization’s next Director. A long-time member, Executive Board leader, and current Associate Director, Konet said:
“I’m honored to step into the role of Director for MCNC and deeply grateful to Cece for the vision, dedication, and passion she has poured into this work. She has built a foundation we will rely on for years to come, and I’m lucky to follow in her footsteps. MCNC’s mission—to create access, support, and belonging for students who have been historically overlooked—has shaped who I am as an educator and leader. I’m humbled by the trust placed in me to carry this work forward and excited to keep learning, growing, and dreaming alongside our schools, partners, and, most importantly, our students.”