Michigan State University is on the verge of naming Dan Bartholomae, the current athletic director at Western Michigan University, as its next athletic director. This significant development follows the departure of J Batt, who transitioned to Kentucky on June 15, with his final day at MSU being July 28. Bartholomae's anticipated appointment marks a pivotal moment for MSU's athletic department, bringing a leader with a diverse background in collegiate sports administration. His experience includes leading WMU for the past four and a half years, during which time the Broncos notably secured an NCAA hockey championship in 2025. Prior to his tenure at WMU, Bartholomae served as executive deputy athletic director at Oregon State for five years and spent 15 years in various roles within the Pittsburgh athletic department, his alma mater. His expertise also extends to major facilities projects, having overseen the development of WMU's new basketball and hockey arena, a skill that will be crucial as MSU embarks on its approved $500 million renovations for Spartan Stadium.
Michigan State Eyes Western Michigan's Dan Bartholomae for Top Athletics Role
Michigan State University is reportedly close to appointing Dan Bartholomae as its new athletic director, filling the vacancy left by J Batt. The news, initially reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel on Monday, August 17, suggests that a deal between Bartholomae and MSU is nearing completion. Bartholomae, a 46-year-old Indiana University alumnus, has been instrumental in Western Michigan's athletic success, notably guiding the Broncos to an NCAA hockey title in 2025. His leadership at WMU included securing a contract extension through June 30, 2031, with an annual salary exceeding $750,000, details of which, along with potential buyout clauses, are not yet public regarding his move to MSU. Bartholomae's career trajectory includes significant roles as executive deputy AD at Oregon State from 2017 to 2022 and 15 years at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his MBA in 2002 and held positions such as deputy AD for internal affairs. His professional connections extend to several past Spartan coaches, having worked alongside former MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi at Pitt and former MSU coach Jonathan Smith at Oregon State. At WMU, he hired Dwayne Stephens, a former assistant to Tom Izzo, to lead the men's basketball program in April 2022, though Stephens was later let go in March of the current year. Crucially, Bartholomae's experience in overseeing the construction of WMU's new $515 million arena, slated for a 2027 opening, aligns perfectly with MSU's plans for a $500 million renovation of Spartan Stadium. This transition also follows a period of administrative changes at MSU, including President Kevin Guskiewicz's brief decision to leave for Clemson before ultimately deciding to remain at MSU. Jon Palumbo, who was brought in by Batt and served as interim AD, may see his future at MSU clarified by this new appointment.
The selection of Dan Bartholomae as Michigan State's new athletic director signals a strategic move towards stability and experienced leadership in a dynamic collegiate sports landscape. His proven track record in fostering athletic success, coupled with his extensive background in facilities management, appears to be an ideal fit for MSU's current needs and future aspirations. This appointment suggests a clear vision for advancing the university's athletic programs and infrastructure. It will be interesting to observe how Bartholomae's leadership will shape the trajectory of Spartan athletics, particularly as the university navigates significant stadium renovations and continues to compete at the highest levels of collegiate sports.
