EAST LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — J Batt, who had been Michigan State's athletic director for just over a year, is leaving the university to take the same job at the University of Kentucky, UK announced on Monday morning.
“Across these institutions, J has distinguished himself as a record-breaker in fundraising and as a leader who strategically invests in facilities to maximize resources and revenue,” UK President Eli Capilouto said in a press release. “As important, he has remained focused on ensuring student-athletes compete at the highest levels while being prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.”
At MSU, Batt helped secure a $400 million commitment, the largest single athletics gift in MSU's history. About $290 million of the donation is in support of MSU Athletics’ FOR SPARTA initiative, MSU said when the donation was announced in September. The university announced a $1 billion initiative called FOR SPARTA last year, aimed to help elevate athletic facilities, including a re-imagined Spartan Stadium.
Batt was announced as MSU's hire just 13 months ago. He came to East Lansing after working as Georgia Tech's athletic director for just under three years (October 2022-2025. He previously worked for the athletic department at the University of Alabama, serving as chief operating officer and chief revenue officer.
Batt has previously worked at East Carolina, Maryland, James Madison, William & Mary and North Carolina, his alma mater. At UNC, he was part of the men's soccer team that won the 2001 NCAA championship.
MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., issued the statement below regarding Athletic Director J Batt moving on from Michigan State University:
“I appreciate the energy and innovation that J Batt brought to Spartan Athletics over this past year. He has set our athletics department on a positive path, one that our outstanding and dedicated team will continue driving forward. During his tenure, he helped position our athletics program for success in a rapidly changing collegiate landscape while advancing our commitment to competitive excellence, academic achievement, and the student-athlete experience. Amy and I both wish J, Leah and their family happiness and success in Kentucky.
“I will be working with university and athletics department leadership over the coming days to name an interim and outline a search process for moving forward. We remain committed to supporting our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and fans while continuing to pursue excellence in all that we do.”
