Michigan State hires J Batt as new athletic director

On June 2, 2025, Michigan State University announced the appointment of J Batt as its new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. Batt previously served as the athletic director at Georgia Tech, where he significantly improved fundraising efforts and led the school to notable achievements, including high graduation rates and multiple bowl game appearances. His predecessor, Alan Haller, stepped down on May 1, 2025, prompting a search for his replacement that lasted approximately a month. Batt is expected to begin his new role on June 16, 2025, as he aims to enhance Spartan athletics and reignite the football program's success, which has faced challenges in recent seasons. Under Batt's leadership, Georgia Tech raised record amounts in fundraising, contributing to numerous renovations and the development of athletic facilities. The school's football team achieved consecutive bowl berths and made a return to the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time in almost a decade. This track record played a significant role in his selection for the role at Michigan State, as the university seeks to reverse its fortunes in athletics, especially after experiencing three consecutive losing seasons in football. According to President Kevin Guskiewicz, Batt is expected to bring excitement and innovative leadership to the program, while also focusing on aligning the athletics department with university goals and aspirations. Michigan State’s athletic department is facing the dual issues of fundraising and improving competitive performance, particularly in football where modest expectations prevail. The university recently recorded its highest cumulative GPA for student-athletes and won multiple Big Ten championships under Haller's guidance, indicating strengths in other sports. Batt's hiring is viewed as a critical moment for Michigan State Athletics with anticipation surrounding the potential of his experience to propel the department forward in an evolving college athletics landscape, which now allows sharing significant revenue with student-athletes. The Board of Trustees is scheduled to formally vote on Batt's contract during a meeting on June 13, 2025. Following the vote, Batt's leadership will begin in the context of a vibrant and tradition-rich program, as he aims to work closely with the athletics department and engage the supportive MSU community in pursuit of new levels of success.