SOCIAL MEDIA:
EAST LANSING, MICH. ~ After Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., shared that he would be returning to his position with the university earlier this week, he announced Friday that MSU’s executive deputy athletics director and chief operating officer Jon Palumbo, who holds the additional role of CEO of Spartan Ventures, will step in as interim athletic director after J Batt announced his departure for Kentucky.
Batt will officially leave East Lansing on July 28 with a $3.95 million buyout, which was reduced from the full $5 million.
While Guskiewicz will look to find a full-time replacement for Batt, Palumbo brings a year of experience at MSU to his new position. He will continue to work as CEO of Spartan Ventures, but will find a new candidate for his previous board position for the time that he serves as interim.
Palumbo’s main role since last July has been overseeing the football department, working with finances, event operations, and even helping with the hire of football head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Palumbo previously worked alongside Batt at Georgia Tech before heading north.
“I’m honored to serve the university in this interim role, and I am grateful to President Guskiewicz for placing his trust and belief in me,” Palumbo said in a press release. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches and staff to build on the positive momentum we have established and continue to move MSU Athletics forward.”
