George F. Jenks

• Birth Name — George Frederick Jenks • Born — 16 July 1916 • Birthplace — Oneonta, New York, U.S. • Died — 29 December 1996 • Occupation — Geographer • Known for — Jenks natural breaks optimization • Education — New York State College for Teachers (BEd) Syracuse University (MA, PhD) • Thesis Title — New Land Development in the Rice Economy of the Weiner Area, Arkansas • Thesis Url — https: archives.lib.ku.edu/repositories/3/archival_objects/382842 • Discipline — Geography • Sub Discipline — Agricultural geography, Cartography • Workplaces — University of Arkansas University of Kansas

George F. Jenks earned his B.S.Ed. in 1941 from the New York State College for Teachers (now University at Albany). He earned both his M.S. and Ph.D. in geography from Syracuse University in 1947 and 1950 respectively. Jenks initially focused his research on agricultural geography which formed the subject of both his master's thesis and doctoral dissertation, with his dissertation being titled "New Land Development in the Rice Economy of the Weiner Area, Arkansas." After being exposed to Richard Edes Harrison as a cartography instructor, Jenks shifted towards researching cartography. This interest led Jenks to become one of the most influential cartographic researchers of the 20th century.

• Illustration — Branch insignia of the Army Air Corps Jenks joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1941 after graduating with his bachelor's degree. During World War II, he served as an instructor of aerial navigation, holding the highest rank of First lieutenant. Jenk's time as an instructor of aerial navigation inspired him to pursue a career in geography.

After his time in the military, Jenks went to graduate school at Syracuse University to study geography. After graduating from Syracuse University, Jenks's first position was at the Department of Rural Economics and Sociology at the University of Arkansas. In 1949, Jenks took a position in the Geography Department at the University of Kansas. Here, Jenks would grow the cartography program within the University of Kansas department of geography into one of the most influential in the country. Throughout his career, Jenks advocated for improved curriculums for cartographers and a greater focus on the science of applied mapping. Jenks retired from the University of Kansas in 1986. While Jenks publications and research were highly influential, he is noted to have focused much of his energy on helping his graduate students. These students carried his influence into other geography departments across the United States, shaping how cartographic training is accomplished. He continued to work with graduate students at the University of Kansas even after his retirement in 1986.