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New Kansas Statistical Abstract features timely, relevant information for Kansans
LAWRENCE — The newest edition of the Kansas Statistical Abstract is now available on the Institute for Policy & Social Research website. This rich resource contains information on the Sunflower State on a variety of topics ranging from agriculture to transportation. Ahead of the November 2022 elections, this edition includes maps of the new U.S. congressional districts as well as Kansas Senate, House and State Board of Education districts. The KSA also publishes information about government and political engagement.
Music dean to leave role at close of fall semester
LAWRENCE — Robert Walzel, dean of the University of Kansas School of Music, has announced plans to step away from his leadership position at the end of the fall 2022 semester. This change will allow him to focus on family matters that have become a priority. Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor, shared gratitude for the work Walzel has undertaken over the past 12 years.
Full stories below.
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Contact: Carrie Caine, Institute for Policy & Social Research, 785-864-9102, [email protected]
New Kansas Statistical Abstract features timely, relevant information for Kansans
LAWRENCE — The newest edition of the Kansas Statistical Abstract is now available on the Institute for Policy & Social Research website. This rich resource contains information on the Sunflower State on a variety of topics ranging from agriculture to transportation.
“Communities can be overwhelmed with data from federal, state and private sources. Often it is difficult to locate reliable data needed for grant applications and local decision-making. The KSA aims to relieve this burden by offering a comprehensive data resource for Kansas communities,” said Xan Wedel, senior research data engineer at IPSR.
Ahead of the November 2022 elections, this edition includes maps of the new U.S. congressional districts as well as Kansas Senate, House and State Board of Education districts. The KSA also publishes information about government and political engagement, including a map of voter participation rates in the U.S. by state in November 2020. One table shows voter registration and party affiliation by county in Kansas as of Nov. 1, 2021.
“The Kansas Statistical Abstract is a valuable resource for observing trends in Kansas agriculture, government and economic growth,” said Donna Ginther, director of IPSR. “I share the abstract with thought leaders to inform their understanding of the state.”
The KSA includes several maps and tables that describe the population landscape in Kansas. A map displaying population of Kansas by region shows how East Central Kansas, which includes Johnson County, has grown 0.26% over the last year, while all other regions of Kansas have lost population. This map also shows that nearly 2 in 3 Kansans live in the eastern third of the state. A map showing population density in Kansas by county adds more detail: Johnson and Wyandotte counties hold more than 1,000 people per square mile, while Greeley and Wallace counties in western Kansas contain fewer than 2 people per square mile.
“The 2020 Census showed dramatic changes in the Kansas population. The KSA reports Census data at the local level to show how Kansas population has shifted and changed over time,” Ginther said. One map shows how population within each Kansas county changed from 2020 to 2021.
The Kansas Statistical Abstract includes data in 16 categories published over 17 chapters: Sunflower State Summary; Agriculture; Banking and Finance; Business, Industry, and Exports; Climate; Communications and Information; Courts, Crime, and Public Safety; Education; Employment and Earnings; Energy and Natural Resources; Government; Housing and Construction; Income; Parks and Recreation; Population; Transportation; and Vital Statistics and Health.
Published fully online and at no cost for users, the KSA contains the latest available state, county and local data for Kansas on topics ranging from education to business and manufacturing. Users can access the document as a single PDF or download tables, maps and graphs as separate files.
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Contact: Jill Hummels, Office of the Provost, 785-864-6577, [email protected], @KUProvost
Music dean to leave role at close of fall semester
LAWRENCE — Robert Walzel, dean of the University of Kansas School of Music, has announced plans to step away from his leadership position at the end of the fall 2022 semester. This change will allow him to focus on family matters that have become a priority.
Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor, shared gratitude for the work Walzel has undertaken over the past 12 years.
“Bob has made numerous contributions to the University of Kansas as well as to the students, faculty and staff within the School of Music,” Bichelmeyer said. “I wish him and his family all the best.”
Walzel will remain with KU and will conduct research during the spring 2023 semester.
Walzel was selected as dean of the school in 2010. Since that time, the school has increased the amount of student scholarship awards, which now exceed $1 million. Student musicians have performed at world-renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The KU Orchestra, Opera, Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Choir have all performed internationally, with the KU Wind Ensemble scheduled to perform later this semester in Italy. Membership in the Marching Jayhawks has risen to 330 students this fall. Walzel also oversaw the $2.1 million renovation of Swarthout Recital Hall in 2015.
“I appreciate the timing of this decision as it also provides continuity as we work to determine the path forward for the School of Music,” Bichelmeyer said. An announcement later this semester will provide details on interim leadership for the School of Music during the spring semester and plans to fill the dean position.
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