### Michigan State's Athletic Department Enters a New Era with J Batt at the Helm Michigan State University has officially appointed J Batt as its new athletic director, marking a significant transition for the university's athletic department. Batt, who previously served as the vice president and director of athletics at Georgia Tech, is expected to lead Michigan State into a new chapter, with aspirations of elevating the department into the top 10 in college sports. His appointment follows a month-long search after the departure of former athletic director Alan Haller, who left the position on May 11, 2025. Batt's track record at Georgia Tech, particularly in fundraising and program development, positions him as a promising leader for the Spartans' athletic future [https://www.wilx.com/2025/06/02/michigan-state-university-announces-j-batt-new-athletic-director/?outputType=apps][https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2025/06/02/michigan-state-announces-j-batt-as-athletic-director-with-impressive-record]. ### Overview of J Batt's Appointment and Vision 1. **Background and Experience**: - J Batt has been the athletic director at Georgia Tech since October 2022, where he achieved notable success in fundraising and program management [https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/45423756/sources-michigan-state-expected-hire-j-batt-ad]. - He has a history of collaboration with Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz, having worked together at North Carolina [https://www.ajc.com/sports/2025/06/j-batt-welcomes-joining-top-10-athletic-department-at-michigan-state]. 2. **Goals for Michigan State**: - Batt has emphasized the importance of the football program as a cornerstone for achieving the goal of becoming a top 10 athletic department [https://www.nbcsports.com/big-ten/news/michigan-state-athletic-director-j-batt-says-hes-leading-a-top-10-department-in-college-sports]. - He aims to leverage his experience to enhance the overall performance and visibility of Michigan State's athletic programs. 3. **Transition from Georgia Tech**: - Batt's departure from Georgia Tech comes after a successful tenure where he oversaw significant contributions to the athletic department, including record-breaking fundraising efforts [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/georgia_tech_athletic_director_j_batt_leaving_for_michigan_state_per_reports/s1_17615_42271657]. - His hiring is seen as a strategic move to reinvigorate Michigan State's athletic landscape during a pivotal time in college sports [https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2025/06/01/michigan-state-closing-in-on-naming-next-athletic-director]. ### Evidence of Batt's Impact and Future Potential - **Fundraising Success**: At Georgia Tech, Batt led a record-breaking fundraising campaign, achieving **$78.2 million** in contributions during his first full fiscal year [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/georgia_tech_athletic_director_j_batt_leaving_for_michigan_state_per_reports/s1_17615_42271657]. - **Coaching Hires**: He was instrumental in hiring key figures such as Brent Key for football and Damon Stoudamire for basketball, showcasing his ability to attract talent [https://www.espn.co.uk/college-sports/story/_/id/45423756/sources-michigan-state-expected-hire-j-batt-ad]. - **Vision for Growth**: Batt's commitment to elevating Michigan State's athletic programs aligns with the university's aspirations to compete at the highest levels in college sports. ### Conclusion: A Promising Future for Michigan State Athletics In summary, **J Batt's appointment as athletic director at Michigan State University represents a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the athletic department**. His proven track record in fundraising and program development, coupled with a clear vision for the future, positions him to lead Michigan State towards its goal of becoming a top 10 athletic department. The emphasis on the football program as a foundational element for success underscores the importance of strong leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of college athletics. 1. Batt's experience at Georgia Tech and his collaborative history with President Guskiewicz set a strong foundation for his leadership. 2. His focus on football and overall program enhancement reflects a strategic approach to achieving departmental goals. 3. The evidence of his past successes in fundraising and talent acquisition suggests a promising trajectory for Michigan State athletics under his guidance. For further details, please refer to the sources: [https://www.nbcsports.com/big-ten/news/michigan-state-athletic-director-j-batt-says-hes-leading-a-top-10-department-in-college-sports], [https://www.ajc.com/sports/2025/06/j-batt-welcomes-joining-top-10-athletic-department-at-michigan-state], [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/michigan-state-reportedly-hire-georgia-tech-ad-who-has-ties-nick-saban-alabama/b3da77f3258a6638db0f6ebd].