Michigan State hires Dan Bartholomae as its next athletic director

Michigan State has announced the hiring of Dan Bartholomae, formerly Western Michigan's athletic director, as its new athletic director. Bartholomae has been with Western Michigan since 2022 and was a finalist for the Sports Business Journal AD of the year last fall. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that Michigan State aligns with his belief that athletics can unite a community and elevate a university.

During his tenure at Western Michigan, Bartholomae led the team to 37 conference championships and their first national title in 60 years, in men's hockey, in 2025. He will be replacing J Batt, who left for Kentucky in June. Michigan State President Kevin M. Guskiewicz emphasized that the institution's mission is to provide student-athletes with a competitive experience, a world-class education, and the skills to become leaders after their playing days.

Bartholomae's first day at Michigan State will be August 31, with his contract pending formal approval from the MSU board of trustees on September 11.