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

New College of Florida has appointed data scientist David Kane, a former Harvard University preceptor, to teach in its Techne program. The move underscores the public honors college’s push to expand tech-focused academics and recruit faculty with both scholarly credentials and industry experience.

Why it matters: - New College of Florida is using faculty hiring to deepen its Techne program and broaden students’ exposure to data science, quantitative reasoning, and applied analytics. - The appointment is part of the college’s larger effort to strengthen academic offerings for students preparing for graduate school and data-driven careers. - The hire adds a faculty member with experience in military service, finance, higher education, and open-source software.

What happened: - New College of Florida appointed David Kane, a data scientist and former Harvard University Preceptor, as professor in the college’s Techne program. - President Richard Corcoran said the appointment reflects New College’s commitment to recruiting faculty with scholarly distinction and real-world expertise. - Kane said he looks forward to helping students build quantitative tools and analytical frameworks for careers in business, government, technology, research, and other fields.

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 developed 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. - Kane taught data science and quantitative analysis to undergraduate students at Harvard. - He wrote the Preceptor’s Primer for Bayesian Data Science. - Kane also developed open-source software and programming tools used in statistical education and research. - New College’s Techne program integrates technological proficiency, computational thinking, quantitative reasoning, and applied analytics across disciplines. - The program is inspired by the Greek concept of techne, described as mastery of practical knowledge through disciplined practice. - The college says the program is meant to give students technical capabilities employers want while reinforcing critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals New College’s effort to compete on faculty quality as well as curriculum design. - Kane’s background bridges academia and industry, which fits the college’s pitch that liberal arts education can be paired with technical skills. - The emphasis on Techne suggests New College is trying to make its honors model more visible in career-relevant fields without losing its liberal arts identity.

What's next: - Kane will begin teaching in the Techne program as New College continues expanding academic opportunities through faculty recruitment and new programming. - The college says the broader strategy includes nationally recognized graduate offerings. - New College will likely continue positioning Techne as a core part of its academic brand and student preparation model.

The bottom line: - New College is betting that high-profile faculty hires like David Kane will help turn its Techne program into a stronger selling point for students seeking both intellectual rigor and practical skills.