New College of Florida adds former Harvard preceptor David Kane to Techne program

New College of Florida has appointed data scientist and former Harvard University Preceptor David Kane as a professor in its Techne program. The move strengthens the college’s push to expand data, analytics and computational training across its liberal arts curriculum.

Why it matters: - New College of Florida is using faculty hiring to deepen its Techne program, which blends liberal arts with technical and analytical skills. - The appointment adds a scholar with experience in quantitative finance, data science and higher education. - The hire supports New College’s effort to prepare students for graduate study and data-driven jobs.

What happened: - New College of Florida appointed David Kane as professor in the College’s Techne program. - Kane is a data scientist and former Harvard University Preceptor. - President Richard Corcoran announced the appointment in Sarasota, Florida, on July 24, 2026. - Corcoran said the hire reflects New College’s plan to recruit faculty with scholarly distinction and real-world expertise.

The details: - Kane served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1991. - He spent more than 20 years in quantitative finance, where he managed portfolios and built statistical models for multibillion-dollar investment funds. - At Harvard University, Kane served as a Preceptor in Statistical Methods and Mathematics in the Department of Government. - He taught data science and quantitative analysis to undergraduate students at Harvard. - Kane wrote the Preceptor’s Primer for Bayesian Data Science. - Kane also developed open-source software and programming tools used in statistical education and research. - The Techne program integrates technological proficiency, computational thinking, quantitative reasoning and applied analytics across disciplines. - New College describes Techne as rooted in the Greek idea of techne, or practical knowledge developed through disciplined practice. - The program is designed to give students technical capabilities employers want while reinforcing critical thinking, communication and ethical reasoning.

Between the lines: - The hiring points to New College’s broader strategy of building a national profile through distinguished faculty recruitment and specialized academic programs. - Kane’s background connects finance, coding and classroom teaching, which fits a program meant to link theory with applied skills. - The appointment also signals a stronger emphasis on preparing students for careers beyond traditional liberal arts pathways.

What's next: - Kane will teach in the Techne program at New College. - New College said the appointment is part of an ongoing expansion of academic opportunities and nationally recognized graduate offerings. - Kane said he looks forward to helping students develop quantitative tools for careers in business, government, technology, research and other fields. - More information is available on New College of Florida's Instagram.