Jordan Haines, a Kansas University alumnus, former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents and former president of Bank IV in Wichita, died Friday.

Higher education officials and leaders remembered the man originally from Sabetha who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from KU in 1949 and a law degree in 1957.

KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway called Haines an influential force for higher education throughout the state.

“Jordan’s gifts to the university as a volunteer, donor and adviser will have a deep and lasting impact for generations to come,” he said. “On behalf of the whole university community, I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife, Shirley, and the entire Haines family.”

Former KU Chancellor Gene Budig said Haines was never reluctant to express his feelings on a subject and that his pride in KU was profound.

“His legacy is certain to be one of a fearless and decisive leader who always wanted KU to be first in both academics and athletics. He was a dependable boss as a regent and a valued friend to me and to the members of my family,” Budig said.

Haines was a regents member when Budig was hired. Budig, now a college board professor in New York, was KU’s chancellor from 1981 to 1994.

Haines was president, chairman and chief executive officer of Fourth Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Bank IV in Wichita, from 1968 to 1991.

Gov. Robert Bennett appointed him to the regents, where he served from 1977 to 1984.

He and his wife, Shirley, a 1948 KU graduate, served on various boards and campaigns as KU alumni. From 1987 to 1992, Haines was national chairman of Campaign Kansas, which raised $265 million for the university.

“He was willing to go head-to-head with any legislator willing to cut the budget for higher education,” said John Conard, of Lawrence, director of the regents from 1976 to 1982. Conard is also a former speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives.

“The loss of Jordan Haines to the University of Kansas signals the end of one of the most – if not the most – distinguished records of alumni leadership in KU’s history,” said Kevin J. Corbett, president of the KU Alumni Association. “His contributions, however, will stand in perpetuity for future KU students, faculty and alumni.”

Dale Seuferling, president of the KU Endowment Association, called Haines an intensely loyal and supportive Jayhawk.

“I consider myself fortunate to have been one of many at KU to have learned so much from this great Jayhawk,” Seuferling said. “He will be missed, but we have so much at KU that will forever remind us of his impact.”