Leon is the Vice Chancellor for Student and Diversity Affairs at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Leon served as the leader for USC Upstate's comprehensive diversity action plan which began in 1994.

Because of Leon's efforts, over the past 13 years minority enrollment has increased significantly, as did the increase of minority faculty and staff. The university also added more diversity in the types of classes they taught and established a women's studies center. In addition, Leon created an equal opportunity programs office, established a multicultural affairs office and revitalized the international studies center.

Leon's implementation of USC-Upstate's diversity action plan garnered national attention and awards including recognition five years in a row by US News & World Reports. As a result of his success, Leon is often brought in to advise and consult other universities regarding diversity, multicultural, racial and educational issues. But Leon's efforts are not just limited to higher education. He founded the Collegiate 100, a college student organization that provides mentoring for high school, junior high school and elementary school youth. Leon also founded the project Smart Start program, providing math and computer science education for minority students in the 7th – 9th grade.

In addition to his educational contributions, Leon has served on multiple Advisory Boards and worked with several charities including Mobile Meals. Leon served as President of the Progressive Men's Club of Spartanburg, an organization of professional men dedicated to community service and progressive action to enhance the well-being of African American communities and youth. Leon is married to Maliaka Wiles, a retired high school guidance counselor. He has two college graduate daughters, Nia and Saleda and has two grandchildren, Malik, 6 years old and Amaria, 5 months old.

For his efforts as a true humanitarian in every facet of the workplace and community, 107.3 JAMZ is proud to salute Leon E. Wiles as a 2008 Upstate Black History Maker.