Opening Doors
Through Higher Education Regulatory Expertise
"A very little key will open a very heavy door."
- Charles Dickens
Services
Know which out-of-state academic activities are regulated in each state
Assist with state applications for approvals to operate
Research professional licensure academic requirements by state
Advise on federal and state-mandated website and catalog disclosures
About Sharyl J. Thompson
- Over 20 years of expertise in state authorization and professional licensure work
- A national leader in higher education regulatory affairs
- Published author and frequent presenter

Testimonials
Navigating the higher education maze of state and federal regulations has become more and more complex and significantly increases the risk to universities if they make a mistake. Sharyl Thompson has done a brilliant job in guiding us through the process of state authorization, gainful employment, compliance reporting, and many other regulatory requirements. She has more than a decade of experience in studying the national and state trends in very complex regulations and is a leading national expert. She goes to extraordinary measures to guide and instruct faculty, administrators and staff in monitoring compliance. Point Loma Nazarene University considers Sharyl Thompson as an extremely important member of our university team.
- Dr. Maggie Bailey, Vice Provost for Program Development and Accreditation (Retired), Point Loma Nazarene University
I have known and worked with Sharyl on compliance for over 7 years. Our first encounter followed a presentation she gave. Sharyl gave me excellent suggestions for how to get started. Our most recent project involved an application to a state board of nursing, Sharyl has been professional, knowledgeable and the person who can get the job done. She stays abreast of the issues and more importantly, keeps track of the changes in every state. When I am asked who can help a college or university to get started or tackle a particularly challenging regulatory issue I always recommend Sharyl. She is dependable, reliable, knowledgeable, easy to work with and a consummate professional!
- Mary Adams, EVP Administration (Retired), American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University
I met Sharyl when we were both named to the Working Group on state authorization reciprocity that was organized by the Presidents' Forum of Excelsior College. As a colleague on that Group, I became aware of her encyclopedic knowledge of state regulations, the importance of creating relationships with regulators, and her deep knowledge of best practices in organizing compliance activities. She is very meticulous is making sure that all the details are in place and is not afraid to ask the uncomfortable questions that need to be asked. Since working with her on that Working Group, she has been a very active leader in WCET's State Authorization Network. She helped create and lead a very successful Compliance Workshop in 2013 that was very well received by participants. When she was between jobs in 2013 and 2014, I did not hesitate to contract with her for research work that we needed and to recommend her as a consultant to others. I highly recommend Sharyl for her deep knowledge, good humor, and commitment to do what is right. She is an unquestioned leader in her field. I look forward to continued partnerships with Sharyl.
- Russell Poulin, Executive Director, WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)
I highly recommend Sharyl Thompson. I have worked with Sharyl for over three years on state authorization and compliance issues through our mutual work at WCET, the State Authorization Network (SAN), and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and during that time I have found her to be an excellent colleague. She is organized, calm under pressure, and proactive. Sharyl is the first to volunteer for any work assignment – she presents well, understands state authorization and compliance issues better than almost anyone I know, and is willing to share her knowledge with others. Overall, Sharyl is a team player and would be a great asset to any organization.
- Dr. Marianne Boeke, Senior Director for Research and State Support, NC-SARA
Sharyl Thompson is the north star for those of us who are navigating the uncharted waters of state authorization. Her steadfast and unwavering commitment to help institutions gain authorization for their programs and her passion for people have been, and continue to be, a great source of encouragement. We could not do without her!
- Blake Carpenter, Manager, Student Data Services, University Analytics, University of Texas at Arlington
Contact
HER (Higher Education Regulatory) CONSULTING
State Authorization Consulting Services
Sharyl J. Thompson, CEO