After 21 years at Kansas University, KU Continuing Education Executive Director Fred Pawlicki will retire Jan. 17.

For the past seven years, Pawlicki has supervised all KUCE activities, including the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, the Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute, the Aerospace Short Course Program and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to serve as the executive director to the professional-training arm of the university,” Pawlicki said. “At Continuing Education, we take KU’s programs and expertise and spread it around the world.”

During his time at the university, Pawlicki has served in many different capacities. He began his KU career in 1992 at the Lied Center as director of operations.

Pawlicki went on to spend 14 years with the Lied Center, serving as interim executive director in 2000 and 2001, and associate director from 2002 to 2006.

In 2004 and 2006, he also served as interim director of KU’s Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art, where Pawlicki said he had memorable experiences.

“That was an interesting, wonderful time to be able to work with a fabulous staff and some really excellent curators, plus be exposed to KU’s beautiful collections,” Pawlicki said. “I hope people will be able to take advantage of one of the best collections in the world.”

Soon, Pawlicki said, he will be taking advantage of the opportunities at KU, as well. Pawlicki plans to retire in Lawrence with his wife and spend some of his free time enjoying some of the programs he’s helped shape in his career.

“My wife and I look forward to the activities of the museum and of the Osher Institute,” Pawlicki said. “When you free up some time, then you can participate in some of the things you have in your program.”