Alumni of the Year

Welding, Class of 1976

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.