Jorge H. Atiles, Ph.D.

As Dean of Extension and Engagement and director of WVU Extension, Jorge Atiles develops and executes a positive vision that supports and advances the comprehensive land-grant mission of WVU in all of West Virginia’s 55 counties.

An innovative and dynamic leader, Dr. Atiles is committed to furthering WVU's mission of teaching, scholarship and engagement through strategic action, while creating opportunities associated with the diverse programs in the Cooperative Extension Service. He is focused on strengthening communities by working collaboratively with key partners to expand outreach and programming opportunities that address the needs of West Virginians. 

In addition to his role with WVU Extension, Dr. Atiles holds a faculty appointment as professor in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

Dr. Atiles previously served as associate dean, Extension, engagement and continuing education for the Colleges of Education, Health, Aviation and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University. During his 10-year career there, he served as coordinator of the University Network on Community Engagement and assistant director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service-Family and Consumer Sciences State Program Leader. He also served as a professor in the Design, Housing and Merchandising department for the College of Human Sciences.

Prior to Oklahoma State, he served in various roles at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, including associate dean for outreach and Extension in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, professor in the Housing and Consumer Economics Department, and assistant professor and Extension specialist for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Before his academic career, Dr. Atiles worked in city and county government managing federally funded housing programs in the Department of Human and Economic Development, Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia. He also worked in the banking industry with the Dominican Republic’s National Housing Bank.

Dr. Atiles completed his doctorate in Housing, Interior Design and Resource Management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His dissertation topic was “Manufactured Housing:  An Assessment of Community Attitudes.” He completed his master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. He received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena, Dominican Republic.