Lee Fowler Named Interim AD at Upstate

Lee Fowler has been named the interim athletic director at the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Fowler, director of basketball operations for the Sun Belt Conference and a former AD at North Carolina State University, replaces Mike Hall, who served as the director of athletics for 19 years. Hall resigned April 12 to become the commissioner of the Southern States Athletic Conference. Fowler will assume his duties on May 20.

Fowler graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1974, where he was a four-year varsity basketball player. After graduation, Fowler stayed at Vanderbilt as an assistant basketball coach before accepting a similar position at Memphis State University.  After completing his master's degree in 1986, Fowler served as associate athletic director at Memphis from 1986 to 1994.  In 1994 Fowler left Memphis to become athletic director at Middle Tennessee State University, where he stayed until 2000, when he left Murfreesboro to become athletic director at North Carolina State University.

“I am pleased that Lee Fowler has accepted USC Upstate’s offer to serve as interim athletic director,” said Chancellor Tom Moore. “Lee brings a wealth of experience at several institutions in different conferences, and he has particular knowledge of the NCAA and men's basketball.  He has demonstrated a commitment to higher education and student-athletes while promoting teamwork, loyalty and excellence. His ability to inspire individuals and groups to high levels of accomplishments is just what we Upstate Spartans need at this time of transition.”

Fowler lists the following accomplishments in his professional career: nationally-known and respected NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee Chair, first NCAA Men’s Basketball Issues Committee Chair, successful move from Division 1-AA into Division 1-A at Middle Tennessee State University, no major NCAA violations in career, record breaking fund-raising and ticket sales at every institution, supported academic achievement at every institution, accomplished major facilities upgrades while maintaining balanced budgets, and negotiated strategic conference re-alignment.

”I am looking forward to working with Dr. Tom Moore, the faculty, staff, student athletes, and the local community to realize the great potential that exists at USC Upstate and put together a plan to accomplish their goals for the University’s athletic department.”