EAST LANSING, MICH. ~ Dan Batholomae was named Michigan State’s Athletic Director to reorient the athletics department for success in a changing college sports culture, and he is already getting accustomed to his new staff despite not officially starting until Aug. 31.
Bartholomae said Friday on 760 WJR’s ‘JR Morning, “Tuesday turned into Wednesday with the press conference. And then I’d heard Thursday there was a donor society gathering at football practice Thursday morning. And so I called the president. I said, ‘Hey, do you mind if I stay over one more night?’ And so I stayed over. The most important thing for me is just to connect with all these great people. They have the answers, not me, right? And so I learned a lot in those 48 hours.” That business-minded approach may prove especially important as Michigan State moves forward with some of the largest and most expensive projects in the department’s history.
PODCAST:
Aug. 21, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds talk to Dan Bartholomae about his new role as Michigan State University’s athletic director.
(CONTINUED) In December of last year, MSU announced FOR SPARTA, a $1 billion initiative to develop the athletics program that includes a $500 million plan to renovate Spartan Stadium. Bartholomae’s experience proves his ability to coordinate mega-budget remodels. Before joining MSU, he managed a $515 million development of Western Michigan’s new basketball and hockey arena.
Bartholomae’s financial strategy will develop beyond these initial projects. Previous MSU AD J Batt retired after only one year in the position, but MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz told WJR on Wednesday that he expects loyalty from Bartholomae. “He and his family love living in Michigan. And I think this is where he’s meant to be. So I do think this is a long-term commitment.”
