UK’s executive vice president of finance will retire in January.

Frank Butler has been at the university for 36 years, UK spokesman Jay Blanton said, and is eligible for a phased retirement.

For his retirement, Butler will work half time for the next two years doing direct reporting to the president on special projects.

Butler is at the age in his career where he is able to retire, but he still wants to provide his services to the university, Blanton said.

The university is interested in having Butler work half time because of the services he can continue to provide, Blanton said.

“Frank’s done a number of things through his career,” Blanton said.

He said Butler had a “broad and important portfolio” at the university, which includes working at UK Hospital and handling the university’s real estate.

As executive vice president of finances, Butler oversees the treasurer’s office, the budget, real estate and facilities, human resources and information technology, Blanton said.

Butler spent the majority of his time at UK Hospital as the chief financial person, Blanton said, and former President Lee Todd brought Butler to work with his presidency to more closely integrate the hospital and the university together.

Todd said Butler made important contributions to UK during his presidency.

“Frank was a critical part of my administration,” Todd said.

Todd said he gives an “awful lot of credit” for the success of UK Hospital to Butler, who oversaw the hospital before serving as executive vice president of finance for the last six years of Todd’s presidency.

Butler led a strong financial team to look over health care and operating expenses and was able to provide for UK’s employees even in lean times, Todd said.

“(I have) a very high respect for all he’s done for the university,” Todd said, “and for all he did for me when I was in that role.”

Butler previously served as vice president for medical center operations, vice chancellor for planning and systems development for Chandler Hospital and director of UK Hospital.

Blanton said no decision has been made about Butler’s replacement and President Eli Capilouto will take time to evaluate who will replace Butler.

Blanton said Butler would decline to comment.