Cheryl Dowd, Senior Director, State Authorization Network (SAN) & WCET Policy Innovations:  (303) 541-0210  cdowd@wiche.edu

Cheryl directs the activities of State Authorization Network (SAN), including coordination of staff addressing interstate policy and compliance as well as other ancillary compliance issues. Additionally, she serves the overall WCET membership in addressing emerging and special regulatory issues related to digital learning in postsecondary education. 

Cheryl is a contributing author for a guidebook for understanding the legal basis for State and Federal compliance for activities of post-secondary institutions, State Authorization of Colleges and Universities.  USDLA awarded Cheryl the 2024 Eagle Award for demonstrating unique leadership in the public policy arena and a long-standing record of educational technology support as well as the support of the USDLA mission, which includes serving the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking, and opportunity. 

Cheryl earned her 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.

Leigha Wade, Administrative Assistant (303) 541-0211 lwade@wiche.edu

Leigha is the administrative assistant for the State Authorization Network and lives in Springboro, Ohio with her husband Jon and their four children. Jake, Trace, Bayleigh, and Ava. Her work background includes Property Management and Insurance. Leigha enjoys cooking, attending her children’s sporting events, hanging with her Family and Cheering on THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

Kathryn Kerensky, Director, Digital Learning Policy & Compliance, (303) 541-0290  kkerensky@wiche.edu

Kathryn assists with the activities of the State Authorization Network (SAN). In collaboration with the Senior Director for Policy Innovations and the Director, Interstate Policy and Compliance, she focuses on related 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 also coordinates training materials, builds communities of practice, and canvasses members for compliance strategies.

From her life, educational, and work experience, Kathryn is passionate about developing compliance practices and strategies that help provide the best possible educational opportunities, experiences, and outcomes for students.

Previously, Kathryn worked as a compliance professional at a public university, where she gained experience in analyzing and interpreting various federal, state, and accreditor requirements while developing institutional policies and procedures for compliance. Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville. Kathryn is also a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She resides in Louisville, KY.

Jana Walser-Smith, Director, Interstate Compliance & SAN Member Outreach, (303)541-0289 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.

Cassie Schoon; Communications Consultant; cschoon@wiche.edu 

Cassie joined SAN as a communications consultant in 2025, after supporting WICHE as a contract copy editor for two years. In her role, she manages communications strategy, content, and social media for SAN. Her background is primarily in governmental and nonprofit communications, although she has credits for arts and entertainment writing in the Denver area as well. She holds a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cassie is an award-winning sourdough baker and a horror film enthusiast who also collects and sells vintage clothing. She lives in Denver with her husband and two cats.