Dr. Dasher-Alston works with the firm's postsecondary clients to assist and guide them in dealing with the complexities of the system of voluntary accreditation that is a unique characteristic of American postsecondary education. With many years of experience as a senior executive of one of the largest accrediting organizations, she brings to her work a unique understanding of both the processes and the culture of accreditation. Dr. Dasher-Alston assists institutions in preparing for initial and recurrent accreditation reviews and in the resolution of issues between institutions and accrediting bodies. As well, she is a part of the Dow Lohnes team that advises accrediting bodies on appropriate procedures necessary to operate in consonance with both the fundamental premises of peer review and the evolving requirements of law.
Prior to joining Dow Lohnes, Dr. Dasher-Alston was Executive Associate Director of the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Dasher-Alston served on the staff of the Commission and of the parent Association for more than fifteen years before coming to Dow Lohnes in 2005. While at the Commission Dr. Dasher-Alston led the Commission's distance learning initiatives, which included the development and implementation of policies and guidelines, revised the Commission's Handbook for Applicants and Candidates for Accreditation and Handbook for Conducting and Hosting an Evaluation Visit, and served as the Commission's representative on the task force of regional accrediting bodies that developed the first guidelines for institutions operating across regional boundaries.