I have one prediction for 2007 — by the end of the academic year Lee Fowler will no longer be the University’s director of athletics.
Let me begin by saying I have no “inside” knowledge that this will occur – I’m merely reading the writing on the wall. To the casual observer Fowler’s tenure may not be in jeopardy. In fact, Fowler’s track record is quite impressive.
Fowler became our athletics director after serving in the same capacity at Middle Tennessee State University from 1994 to 1999. Since arriving in Raleigh in September of 2000, the University’s athletics program and facilities have undergone a major transformation.
Under Fowler’s careful watch, and of course the financial support of the Wolfpack Club, the Athletics Department has spent more than $120 million on new construction and renovation projects. Improvements to Carter-Finley include: three video boards, Murphy Football Center, enclosure of both the north and south end zones and Vaughn Towers’ press box and luxury suites.
Other enhancements include a renovated Doak Baseball Field, Weisiger-Brown Building, Isenhour Tennis Center, Case Athletics Center and most importantly Reynolds Coliseum.
It doesn’t end there. Other projects are expected to come online in the next few years – golf course on Centennial Campus, softball stadium, Derr Track and Soccer Complex. All of this is made possible through private donations and student fees. In fact, the Wolfpack Club has experienced record levels of giving for the past few years.
Likewise, Fowler’s record in competition is not too shabby. The women’s softball team, the University’s youngest varsity sport, won an ACC title in only its third season of play. Last year, attendance at men’s basketball home games ranked 15th nationally. This past year marked the sixth consecutive year that football season tickets sold out.
But for Fowler, facilities, a winning history and record ticket sales will not cut it – just like winning four bowl games in seven years didn’t cut it for Chuck Amato and five straight NCAA Tournament invitations didn’t bode well for Herb Sendek.
In my opinion Fowler’s fate is sealed as evident in three key indicators.
The first sign is the fallout from the firing of Chuck Amato. Fowler repeatedly defended Amato up until the very end. For obvious reasons; the majority of Fowler’s accomplishments listed above are attributed to football. Obviously the Wolfpack Club Board of Directors disagreed with Fowler’s hesitation and moved to remove Amato. All of this is evident in the comments of influential University supporters in the December 24, 2006 News and Observer article, “Amato’s style wears thin without wins.”
The “money men” basically ran Amato out of town because of his arrogance and attitude – a slap in the face to Fowler. It doesn’t help that some in the Wolfpack Club think the athletics director is merely a glorified construction manager, thus replaceable at any time.
Second, Fowler has lost the confidence of his colleagues. The University’s fee review committee, comprised of many influential faculty and administrators only recommended a $20 fee increase for the athletics department’s indebtedness. It wasn’t until Chancellor James L. Oblinger stepped in and approved a $40 increase.
Third, Fowler has lost the trust of the faculty, but not just because a few teams have fallen below academic expectations. Many heads turned when Fowler hired a coach without a college degree, especially after how the search was conducted.
What is the likelihood that my prophecy will come true? I believe my track record speaks for itself. If I calculate correctly, I am three for four with respect to my “human resource” forecasts – a solid 75 percentage points. I owe my outstanding record for correctly naming Erskine Bowles president of the University of North Carolina, foresight into Molly Broad’s exodus from the same position and foretelling Sendek’s sudden departure to Arizona State University.
Personally I have mixed feelings about Fowler. His success in the physical transformation of our facilities speaks for itself. However, I have been disappointed in Fowler’s management since the fatal tailgate shootings.
Since then, students have been treated like herds of cattle rather than regular fans. Fowler did, however, attempt to redeem himself by increasing students’ ticket allotment for home football games.
No matter what, Fowler’s critics are growing — not a winning situation in the environment of big time college athletics.
E-mail Andrew your “human resource” predictions at viewpoint@technicianonline.com.
