Because of his profound teaching and dedication to the success of his students, Professor
Kenneth F. Haines touched the lives of thousands of young minds who were fortunate
to have a chair in one of his classes.
Having taught at WVU Potomac State College for 44 years, many alumni remember Professor Haines with fondness and gratitude. He served as an instructor of foreign languages from 1952 until his retirement in 1996, teaching French, Spanish, German and English. Upon retirement, Professor Haines was granted the designation of Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages.
He was the recipient of a WVU Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters; Outstanding Professor Award; a Distinguished Service Award; the W.E. Michael Community Citizen Award; and had his name inscribed on the Duke Anthony Whitmore/Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Academic Achievement Wall.
Gov. Caperton chose him as an Outstanding West Virginian in 1996 and Gov. Bob Wise recognized him as a Distinguished West Virginian in 2001.
A Keyser native, Professor Haines earned an associate degree from Potomac State in 1950. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1952 and master's degree in 1953, both from WVU. He also studied at La Sorbonne in Paris, France via a Fulbright Fellowship; at Indiana University; Laval University in Quebec City, Canada; and at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
In 1988, a group of his friends established the Kenneth Franklin Haines Scholarship to assure that he will always be remembered for his outstanding service to the College, as well as his commitment to former and future students. Alumni or friends who would like to see Professor Haines’ legacy continue for future students may do so by donating funds to support scholarships or other allocations at: https://www.potomacstatecollege.edu/about/giving.
During the 2015 commencement ceremony, Kenneth Haines, left, professor emeritus of Foreign Languages and English at Potomac State, was presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from West Virginia University. Making the presentation was former WVU Vice Provost Russell Dean, right.