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Snapshots from the 36th Annual UNO CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact

Nearly 80 community leaders joined UNO’s 36th Annual CPAR Data & Research Series to explore how data can drive impact across Nebraska and beyond.

  • published: 2025/10/03
  • contact: Tara Grell - Center for Public Affairs Research

➡️ The news: On September 23, 2025, public and nonprofit practitioners and industry experts participated in the 36th Annual CPAR Data and Research Series for Community Impact. The event was held virtually and in-person at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. The Series featured presentations from the following national and local leaders:

  • Mary Ana McKay, Ph.D., survey statistician, U.S. Census Bureau
  • Josie Gatti Schafer, Ph.D., director, University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research
  • Beth Jarosz, senior fellow, Massive Data Institute at Georgetown University, and vice president, Association of Public Data Users
  • Donna Ginther, Ph.D., director, Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas, and research associate, National Bureau of Economic Research
  • Katie Thurber, commissioner, Nebraska Department of Labor
  • John McCoy, associate economist, Omaha Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

💡 What did we see?

Nearly 80 community partners learning about how Nebraska is evolving demographically, economically, and socially, and how rigorous, timely data can support effective planning, strategic decision-making, and data informed policy development.

The event highlighted new tools, datasets, and upcoming innovations from the U.S. Census Bureau. National and regional experts discussed the challenges facing public data systems, specifically, what it takes to protect the credibility and availability of data in times of rapid change and growing skepticism.

Attendees had the chance to network with one another to build relationships and lay the groundwork for future partnerships and collaboration.

📊 Why it matters: The professional development program assists state and community partners in accessing, utilizing, and analyzing data to inform decision-making and drive change in our communities.

🌎 The big picture: UNO CPAR is committed to pragmatic research and discovery that directly impacts Nebraskans and the region. By providing leaders with high-quality, reliable data, CPAR supports informed decision-making that aligns with UNO’s mission of transforming lives through education and community engagement.

🔎 What’s next: The recordings of Part One and Part Two are available for purchase by visiting cpar.unomaha.edu/series.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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