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Published Jun 2, 2025
Georgia Tech's J Batt officially announced as next MSU athletic director
Spartans Illustrated Staff
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As reported by Spartans Illustrated on Sunday, Batt has been selected as the university’s next athletic director. Michigan State announced the news at 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning:

"Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., with the support of the Board of Trustees, has selected J Batt as the university’s next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics."

“J has an impressive record at several Power 5 schools and an impeccable reputation as a strong and innovative leader,” Guskiewicz said. “He will bring experience, excitement and a commitment to elevating Spartan athletics to the next level. We are thrilled to have J join our leadership team at Michigan State.”

MSU will hold a welcome reception and press conference on Wednesday, June 4. Batt’s contract and appointment will be voted on by the Board of Trustees at its June 13 meeting, with his first official day in East Lansing scheduled for the week of June 16.

“This is truly an amazing opportunity to lead an outstanding, tradition-rich and passionate program, and I am grateful to President Guskiewicz and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity,” Batt said in MSU's press release. “Working together, in alignment with university leadership, the full athletics department and an enthusiastic fan base, we can take the positive momentum already happening at MSU and reach new levels of success as we move into the next era of intercollegiate athletics. My family and I look forward to joining the Michigan State and East Lansing communities.”

ESPN's Pete Thamel was first to report the news, and Detroit News' Tony Paul was first to report he will be signed to a six-year deal worth around $1.5 million annually.

Michigan State has not formally announced the details of Batt's compensation package but it is expected to dwarf that of former AD Alan Haller, who made just under $1 million per year.

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“This is a key moment in the history of Michigan State Athletics,” said men’s basketball head coach and current co-interim director of athletics Tom Izzo in a press release. “With J Batt’s hiring, President Kevin Guskiewicz has found the right person to lead our department as college athletics continues to evolve. J has displayed tremendous innovation as a leader and has a proven track record of revenue generation. We are excited to welcome J and his family to Michigan State.”

In his first year as athletic director at Georgia Tech, Batt led 14 of 17 varsity programs to postseason appearances, guided the football team to its first AP Top 25 ranking in nine years, and achieved back-to-back bowl berths for the first time since 2013–14.

Under his leadership, Georgia Tech set records in athletic fundraising (surpassing previous totals by over 40%), reached a 94% graduation rate, and improved facilities—including the new Dr. Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center and plans to renovate Bobby Dodd Stadium. He also enhanced gameday experiences and secured major corporate sponsorships.

Nationally, Batt serves on the House Settlement Implementation Committee and chairs the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Previously, he held key leadership roles at Alabama (2017–22), overseeing revenue and launching the $600M Crimson Standard capital campaign. Before that, he worked at East Carolina, Maryland, James Madison, William & Mary, and his alma mater, UNC.

A former NCAA champion in men’s soccer at UNC, Batt holds degrees in journalism and sports administration from North Carolina.

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