Dr. Atiles brings broad experience to his new position as associate dean,”
according to Sharon Y. Nickols, FACS dean. “In particular, the research he has
conducted with colleagues on the needs of Georgia’s burgeoning Latino
communities and the lack of housing for our state’s workforce represents his
commitment to developing collaborations with a variety of university, community,
state and national groups. These partnerships expand our college’s impact
throughout the state.”
“I want to raise awareness throughout the state about our programs, market our
strengths, and continue to build the connections and networks that Dr. Rodgers has
established during his tenure,” Atiles said. “We have a wealth of knowledge that’s
constantly being expanded through the research of our faculty.”
As outreach and extension programs deal with the long-term impact of budget
constraints, Atiles said he will continue to work closely with faculty to secure
external grants and establish cooperative ventures with outside organizations.
Atiles earned his Ph.D. in 1995 in Housing, Interior Design and Resource
Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; his master’s
degree in 1990 in Urban and Regional Planning, also from Virginia Tech; and his
bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1986 from the Universidad Nacional Pedro
Henriquez Ureña in the Dominican Republic.
Prior to joining UGA, he served on the administrative team of the National Housing
Bank of the Dominican Republic; worked as an adjunct faculty member at the
Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña; as an instructor at Virginia Tech; and
as a housing manager with the Human and Economic Development Department for
Athens-Clarke County.
Some of Atiles’ most noted work has included securing external funding from state
and federal agencies, developing networks for extension and conducting applied
research on the needs of Georgia’s growing Latino population.
“Being Latino is a benefit in that I, of course, speak Spanish and this has allowed me
to understand the backgrounds and cultures of some of Georgia’s newest
residents,” Atiles said. “But I think it’s essential to recognize that all Georgians
benefit from the outreach and extension programs the College of Family and
Consumer Sciences provides and to work with my colleagues to find new ways to
provide the tools of knowledge to help all of our citizens improve their quality of
life.”
