State Authorization Network (SAN)

Cheryl Dowd

Senior Director, State Authorization Network & WCET Policy Innovations

cdowd@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

Cheryl joined WCET in August of 2015 as the director of the State Authorization Network. She currently serves as the senior director, policy innovations. She directs the overall activities of WCET’s State Authorization Network (SAN), including coordination of staff addressing interstate policy and compliance, along with other ancillary compliance issues. As senior director, Cheryl also serves the overall WCET membership in addressing emerging and special regulatory issues related to digital learning in postsecondary education. She brings extensive experience in education and compliance to the WCET team and is a contributing author for State Authorization of Colleges and Universities, a guidebook for understanding the legal basis for State and Federal compliance for activities of postsecondary institutions.

Cheryl holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University. She is the mother of four kids, all of whom have been instrumental in helping her develop new interests in theatre, hockey, and figure skating. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid fan of movies and TV shows written by Aaron Sorkin.

Leigha Fletcher

Administrative Assistant, State Authorization Network

lfletcher@wiche.edu

Leigha joined WCET in December 2020 as an administrative assistant for the State Authorization Network (SAN). In addition to providing administrative support for SAN, Leigha coordinates both member and renewal management and oversees accounting for the department. Prior to joining WCET, Leigha worked in property management and insurance, assisting with sales, resident retention, customer service, social media, and strategic marketing. In each of her roles, Leigha excelled at building rapport with clients and brings her passion for customer service to our organization.

Leigha lives in Springboro, Ohio with her husband Jon and four children: Jake, Trace, Bayleigh, and Ava. Outside of work, Leigha enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, attending her children’s sporting events, playing golf, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. Her favorite character is Alex Cross (played by actor Morgan Freeman), from the suspenseful book and film series Love, Kiss the Girls, and Along Came a Spider.

Kathryn Kerensky

Director, Digital Learning Policy & Compliance, State Authorization Network

kkerensky@wiche.edu

Kathryn joined us in July 2021 as the director, digital learning policy, and compliance where she assists with the overall activities of the WCET State Authorization Network (SAN). In collaboration with the senior director for policy innovations and the director, interstate policy and compliance, she focuses on institutional and programmatic compliance rules and regulations, including accreditation requirements, international compliance issues, and strategies for institutional regulatory compliance when serving students by means of digital learning. Kathryn coordinates training materials, builds communities of practice, and canvasses members for compliance strategies; she is an integral asset to our team.

Previously, Kathryn worked on state authorization and related compliance issues for the University of Louisville for seven years, during which she gained experience in analyzing and interpreting various federal, state, and accreditor requirements while developing institutional policies and procedures for compliance. Her exemplary work and dedication earned her institution three SANsational awards along with multiple invitations to present at conferences and webinars.

Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville and is a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Outside of work, Kathryn spends time with her family (her husband, son, and three cats). From running to fostering cats and kittens for a local rescue organization to listening to podcasts, Kathryn keeps plenty busy and, when she’s not busy chasing around her toddler son, she enjoys immersing herself in various craft and video projects.

Currently, her favorite character is “the Joker” (Heath Ledger, from the Dark Knight).

Jana Walser-Smith

Director, Interstate Compliance and SAN Member Outreach, State Authorization Network

jwalsersmith@wiche.edu

Jana joined SAN in September of 2022 as the Director, Interstate Compliance and SAN Member Outreach where she assists with engaging, training, communicating, and supporting SAN members. Jana serves as the lead educator addressing foundational principles of state authorization and state-to-state institutional approvals through the development of training events and resources that reinforce the foundational principles of interstate compliance. Additionally, Jana serves as the chief communicator in the development of efficient communication practices to engage SAN members.

Jana comes to SAN from Southern New Hampshire University and previously from the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Office, UNC Greensboro, and Appalachian State University where she served in various compliance and state authorization roles. She additionally has many years of experience as a Faculty Lecturer and Adjunct Faculty at institutions in North Carolina. Prior to these roles, Jana also worked in corporate finance for multiple fortune 200 organizations.

Jana holds an EdD degree from Appalachian State University, MA from Wake Forest University, and a BS from High Point University. Beyond her role at SAN, Jana enjoys traveling, perusing antique and collectable showrooms, working with church and community projects, spending time with her husband and three adult daughters, and rearing her 11-year-old great-niece.