EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) 鈥� Western Michigan鈥檚 Dan Bartholomae has been hired as Michigan State鈥檚 athletic director.
Bartholomae has served in the same role at Western Michigan since 2022 and was named a finalist last fall for the Sports Business Journal AD of the year.
鈥淭hroughout my career, I have been drawn to institutions that believe athletics can elevate a university and unite a community,鈥� Bartholomae said. 鈥淭hat is certainly true at Michigan State. I am excited to get to work, listen, learn and help elevate Spartan Athletics to new standards together with all of you.鈥�
Western Michigan won 37 conference championships and the 2025 men鈥檚 hockey national title under Bartholomae鈥檚 leadership. It was the Broncos’ first national championship in 60 years.
Bartholomae replaces J Batt, who was hired away by Kentucky in June.
鈥淭he future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission,鈥� Michigan State president Kevin M. Guskiewicz said. 鈥淎t Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over.
鈥淒an shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era.鈥�
Bartholomae鈥檚 first day will be Aug. 31. MSU鈥檚 board of trustees will formally approve his contract at its next scheduled meeting, on Sept. 11.
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