West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is proud to announce Michael Jiles as the recipient of the 2025 Alumni of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding alumni who have achieved professional success, made significant contributions to their community or industry, and maintained a strong connection to the college.
Jiles’ journey with the college began nearly 50 years ago. He graduated in 1976 from what was then Carroll Technical Institute (now WGTC) with a diploma in Machine Shop, a credential he earned through an apprenticeship program offered by Southwire Company.
After graduation, Jiles served 20 years in the U.S. military, where his Carroll Tech education immediately proved valuable. “Because of that diploma I was able to go into the military at a higher rank, I was not required to go to AIT (Advanced Individual Training), I received an accelerated promotion to SP4, and I was selected and promoted to Warrant Officer overseeing Allied Trades operations after only 6 years of service,” Jiles said. “My military service took me to places I would never have thought possible, and now I am back here at the place where it all started serving as VP of Operations and IT.”
Following his military retirement, Jiles joined Precision Roll Grinders in Carrollton, where he worked for 13 years as a Technical Planner. “I believe I was successful at that position as well because of the training that I received from Carroll Tech,” he said.
In 2009, Jiles returned to his alma mater—this time as an employee—when he joined West Georgia Technical College as Facilities Director. Over his 15-year tenure, he has advanced to roles including Executive Director of Facilities, Assistant Vice President of Facilities, and now serves as Vice President of Operations and Information Technology.
Throughout his time at WGTC, Jiles has led transformative projects, including the merger of two college facilities departments and major construction projects across the Douglas, Coweta, and Carroll campuses. His leadership has been instrumental in supporting the college’s continued growth and commitment to student success.
Reflecting on his career, Jiles said the most rewarding aspect of his work has been the opportunity to serve. “As a military retiree I was able to serve our country for 20 years and now I am coming up on 17 years of service to our great state of Georgia, our Carrollton community, and our WGTC students,” he said. “The opportunity to be in the middle of planning for the future while maintaining the present facilities has been exciting and rewarding.”
Jiles said being named Alumni of the Year is both humbling and meaningful. “It is very humbling to have been selected as this year’s recipient of this award. I am sure there are many who are more qualified than I am,” he said. “It reinforces how important a skill/education can be and the doors that can be opened by such a great institution as West Georgia Technical College.”
WGTC President Dr. Julie Post said Jiles exemplifies the mission and impact of technical education. “Mike’s career is a testament to how technical skills can open doors and change lives,” Post said. “He has built an extraordinary career rooted in service—to his country, his community, and his college. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Alumni of the Year.”
West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.
