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Karen Burroughs Jones ’74 Distinguished Alumni Award

Celebrating our alumni leaders

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 1983 to recognize graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions and/or their communities over an extended period of time, thus reflecting honor upon the College of Charleston. In 2024, the award was re-named in honor of the Alumni Association’s Executive Secretary Emerita, Karen Burroughs Jones ’74, who dedicated more than 30 years in service to our alma mater.

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2024 Distinguished Alumna

Cheryll Novak Woods-Flowers ’81 (MS ’99)

Cheryll Novak Woods-Flowers ’81 (MS ’99) is renowned for her incredible record of public service and devotion to the College of Charleston. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, she earned her BS in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from the College in 1981 and later completed a Master of Accountancy at the University of Charleston in 1999.

Ms. Woods-Flowers began her political career in 1986 when she was elected to the Mount Pleasant Town Council. She was then elected Mayor in 1992, a role she held for two terms. Her public service extends beyond elected office; she chaired the Town of Mount Pleasant Shem Creek Task Force, leads the Disabilities Board of Charleston County, and serves as an Alzheimer’s Appointed Ambassador to the First District member of Congress. Additionally, she chairs the SC Advisory Council on Aging.

In her professional career, Ms. Woods-Flowers has held key roles, including Senior Accountant at Hyland Rudd Garbett and CFO of the Carolina Youth Development Center. She transitioned to real estate in 2002, becoming a Top Producer with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Ms. Woods-Flowers’ dedication to the College of Charleston is exemplified through her service as Past President of the Cougar Club, three-terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and as a member of the School of Business and Economics Advisory Board. Her support for the College continues through her generous contributions to various funds, including the Alumni Association Fund and the Cougar Club Fund.

Her leadership and contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the College’s Alumna of the Year Award, the SC Order of the Palmetto, and the Lowcountry Girl Scouts’ Woman of Distinction award. She resides in Mount Pleasant with her husband, Harold, and is the proud mother of two daughters and three grandchildren.