Bobby Purcell, the executive director of N.C. State's Wolfpack Club athletic booster group, said Wednesday he hopes to be considered for the university's athletic director's job.

N.C. State announced on Tuesday that it will part ways with current athletic director Lee Fowler on June 30. Fowler will be paid $280,000 a year until his contract runs out in September 2013.

Purcell, 55, was a finalist for the athletic director job 10 years ago when Fowler was hired from Middle Tennessee State.

"I'm absolutely interested in the job," Purcell said. "It's something I've tried to prepare myself for my entire career, and I certainly hope I have the opportunity."

Under Purcell, the Wolfpack Club has become one of the largest college athletic booster groups in the nation with 20,153 members. He served as recruiting coordinator of N.C. State's football team from 1983 to 1987 and is in his 15th year as executive director of the Wolfpack Club.

Purcell was instrumental in raising funds for N.C. State's numerous athletic facility improvements in recent years. In May 2007, he was chosen University Division Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors.

N.C. State, which has not announced a timetable, plans to hire a search firm to help with the process of replacing Fowler.

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