LAFAYETTE, LA, February 02, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cheylon Karrina Woods, MLIS, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Woods has established a distinguished career as the director and archivist of the Ernest J. Gaines Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette since 2015. In this role, she oversees an international research center dedicated to the work of the renowned author Ernest J. Gaines. Her responsibilities encompass librarianship, research, public programming, outreach, community engagement, correspondence with scholars and publishing. Ms. Woods is also recognized as the university's first tenured librarian of color and has initiated an online blog to support international students. Furthermore, she engages with graduate students as a faculty member, assisting them with their dissertations and theses.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Woods served as a museum curator at the Enchanted Mansion Doll Museum in Baton Rouge from 2013 to 2015. Her tenure there was marked by her dedication to preserving and presenting historical artifacts with cultural significance. Concurrently, from 2014 to 2015, she worked as an archival consultant for Project Main Street Historical Society in Denham Springs, where she provided expert guidance on archival practices and historical preservation. Before these roles, Ms. Woods was an archivist at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery from 2011 until 2012. She also held a national fellowship with the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and HistoryMarkers during this time.

Building upon her professional achievements, Ms. Woods has pursued advanced education to further her expertise in her field. She is currently pursuing a PhD in folklore to deepen her understanding of cultural narratives and their impact on society. She earned a master's degree in library and information science from Louisiana State University in 2015 and a Master of Arts in public-applied history from Northwestern State University in 2011. Ms. Woods' foundational education includes a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Louisiana Tech University, which she completed in 2009. Her scholarly work includes "Through Mama's Eyes: Unique Perspectives on Southern Matriarchy," published in 2019, along with various peer-reviewed articles and public programs.

Ms. Woods has been a member of several important organizations relevant to her field. Since 2015, she has been affiliated with the Information Professionals Round Table of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, as well as the Society of Southwest Archivists. Additionally, she has maintained active involvement with the Society of American Archivists and the American Historical Association since 2014 and was once associated with the American Library Association.

Committed to her field beyond professional pursuits, Ms. Woods volunteers for the State Government's Archives and Public History and various local historical societies. She also serves as a board member of several local museums, a testament to her deep passion for history.

Ms. Woods' contributions to her field have been recognized through several awards, including the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award from Acadiana in 2023 and a faculty representative role for the University Systemwide Leadership Cohort from 2022 until 2023. She has also been honored with a library professorship from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 until 2024, alongside being named Outstanding College Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year for 2018 to 2019.

One of Ms. Woods' most remarkable accomplishments was her instrumental role in launching the Ernest J. Gaines Heritage Stamp in 2023. She collaborated closely with the United States Postal Service to plan the program, and together, they built five distinct exhibits in direct partnership with Gaines Scholars. This initiative not only celebrated the legacy of Ernest J. Gaines but also showcased Ms. Woods' leadership and commitment to promoting cultural heritage.

A mother of two, Ms. Woods enjoys a rich personal life that includes crafting, making jewelry, crocheting, gardening, and spending quality time with her family. Looking ahead, she is focused on completing her PhD and expanding the Gaines Center's open resource presence while delving deeper into digital humanities. Ms. Woods is working on a book slated for release in 2026 and plans to transform her dissertation into book form while continuing her research into librarianship's evolving landscape.

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