West Virginia University continues to support and build on opportunities for faculty, staff and students to participate in engaged scholarship that enhances learning outcomes while improving lives in our West Virginia communities.
Jorge Atiles, associate vice president and dean of the Division for Land-Grant Engagement, has been a strong advocate, researcher and leader in engaged scholarship. In recognition of that commitment, Atiles was recently inducted into the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship. He is the first person from WVU to be inducted into the Academy, and one of only 151 members across the world.
ACES brings together scholars from around the world who have made significant efforts to build relationships between higher education institutions and communities. The mission of ACES is to bring expert insight to policymakers, higher education institutions and community organizations. By advancing research, helping shape policy and supporting high-impact scholarship, ACES promotes meaningful and lasting collaboration between institutions and the communities they serve.
During his 26-year academic and administrative career, Atiles has been dedicated to carrying out the land-grant mission and has earned a strong track record of research, teaching and Extension accomplishments centered around engagement with communities and their citizens. In his leadership roles at various public institutions, including the University of Georgia and Oklahoma State University, he played a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships at all levels. As dean of the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, WVU Extension and the WVU Center for Community Engagement, he has continued to develop collaborations and creative opportunities to highlight engaged scholarship that serve the greater good of the Mountain State.
Lynn White Blanchard, associate professor and director of the Carolina Center for Public Service at the University of North Carolina, nominated Atiles for induction into the Academy, noting his record of outstanding scholarly contributions at both the state and national level.
“Dr. Atiles’ extraordinary career at three outstanding state universities and his commitment to community engagement are deserving of this recognition,” Blanchard said. “I first met him more than a decade ago when we were representing our respective institutions at several national meetings and committees focused on academic-community engagement. From APLU’s Council on Engagement and Outreach/Commission on Economic and Community Engagement to the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, he has stood out as a knowledgeable, experienced and effective advocate for community engaged scholarship. His work over the last five years at WVU offers real insight into his commitment and ability to strengthen community engagement at the institutional and programmatic levels. Partnerships and reciprocity are fundamental to community engaged scholarship, and Jorge Atiles brings the energy, experience and expertise to make it successful. He is not only deserving of the honor, but I know he also will contribute to ACES as an organization.”
Since arriving at WVU Extension in 2020, Atiles has supported the WVU Center for Community Engagement’s efforts to develop stronger partnerships by dedicating additional resources to engage community leaders and volunteers through programs such as the CommUNITY Partner program. These efforts have resulted in better understanding community needs and the tailoring of programs and resources to ensure success. Through the work of the Center’s Purpose2Action program, a paid community engagement experience, undergraduate students are placed with nonprofit and public sector organizations to work on mission-driven projects.
“Dean Atiles continues this important work here at WVU through his leadership and unwavering support for community engagement across the University. He has helped elevate the impact of engaged teaching, research and service, enriching student learning, supporting faculty success, and strengthening relationships with communities across the region and beyond,” Kristi Wood-Turner, assistant dean and director of the CCE, added.
In 2024, Atiles was named associate vice president and dean of the newly created Division for Land-Grant Engagement. In this role, he has been focused on expanding awareness and increasing opportunities for engaged scholarship across the University. Under his leadership, WVU received three W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Awards, which provide national recognition for the extraordinary work of WVU faculty, staff and students in our communities. In 2024, the WVU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Fulcrum Project was named one of four regional finalists for the Kellogg award. WVU was recently named a 2025 regional finalist and will compete for the national C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award later this year. The WVU Center for Community Engagement oversees all WVU’s nominations for these awards.
“Providing opportunities for our faculty, staff, students and communities to gain knowledge and improve lives is at the very heart of our land-grant mission,” Atiles said. “WVU continues to be recognized nationally for its service to the people of the state in unique and meaningful ways. This honor is really a testament to the phenomenal work across the WVU community — from our students, faculty and community partners. I look forward to continuing our work to grow and enhance our engaged scholarship efforts.”
Atiles received the University of Georgia’s Walter B. Hill Award—the highest award for public service and engagement. The award recognized his work in Extension across 159 Georgia counties, including state and county government, hospitals, schools and other organizations, to implement indoor air quality education, which led to reductions in risk for lung cancer to radon gas exposure. While at Georgia, he created the UGA University Network on Community Engagement to bring together all academic deans to organize efforts to institutionalize community engagement.
The Division for Land-Grant Engagement supports the WVU Center for Community Engagement, the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and WVU Extension. Visit landgrant.wvu.edu to learn more.
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tec/8/9/2025
CONTACT:
Tara Curtis
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
304-293-7996; tara.curtis@mail.wvu.edu