Michigan State University is poised to welcome a new athletic director, as President Kevin Guskiewicz is recommending J Batt, the current athletic director at Georgia Tech, for the position. According to an individual familiar with the matter, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the formal announcement could come as early as Monday. The recommendation follows a month-long search involving key figures at MSU, including Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo and Deputy Athletic Director Jennifer Smith.
The vacancy arose after Alan Haller stepped down from his post, officially concluding his tenure on May 11. Haller had held the role since September 2021, during which MSU achieved multiple Big Ten championships in sports such as men’s basketball, women’s soccer, gymnastics, and hockey. The athletic department also celebrated a record-high cumulative GPA of 3.43 in 2024. However, ongoing challenges with the football program, which has endured three consecutive losing seasons, have added urgency to the leadership transition.
Batt’s Track Record in Collegiate Athletics
J Batt brings an extensive background in collegiate sports leadership to the role, having served as Georgia Tech’s J Batt athletic director since fall 2022. During his tenure, he made pivotal hires, including football coach Brent Key, who has steered the team to back-to-back winning seasons after four years of struggles. Batt also appointed former NBA player Damon Stoudamire to lead the men’s basketball program, which achieved a .500 record in his second season.
Prior to joining Georgia Tech’s J Batt served as executive deputy athletics director at the University of Alabama, where he held dual responsibilities as chief operating officer and chief revenue officer. He earned a reputation as a powerful fundraiser, a critical skill as college athletics increasingly rely on donor and corporate support. At Alabama, he helped launch a 10-year, $600 million fundraising initiative for athletics. He continued that success at Georgia Tech, raising a record $78.2 million in his first fiscal year, surpassing the previous high by over 40%.
Section 3: Strategic Priorities and Future Outlook
If confirmed, Batt’s immediate priorities at Michigan State will likely focus on boosting fundraising efforts and revitalizing the university’s football program, which recently finished with a 5-7 overall record and a 3-6 Big Ten performance under coach Jonathan Smith. While expectations for the upcoming season remain measured, the new athletic director will be tasked with fostering a more competitive environment on the field.
Fundraising will be especially crucial in light of forthcoming changes in NCAA regulations. Beginning next year, universities will be permitted to directly share up to $20.5 million in revenue with student-athletes, a seismic shift that complements third-party name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Batt’s proven ability to secure financial support will be instrumental in ensuring MSU remains competitive in this new landscape.
With President Guskiewicz’s endorsement and a proven track record of success, Georgia Tech’s J Batt is positioned to usher in a new era for Michigan State athletics, focusing on financial growth, academic excellence, and competitive resurgence.
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