EAST LANSING ~ Dan Batholomae was named MSU’s Athletic Director to reorient the athletics department for success in a changing college sports culture, and President Kevin Guskiewicz is confident in the up-and-comer.
Guskiewicz said Wednesday on 760 WJR’s ‘JR Morning “To be a great athletics director today, you have to be really good at relating to the coaches and student athletes. That’s obviously an important part of the job. But you really have to think about how you run the athletics department in much of the way a CEO runs a major corporation.” 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 makeover of the Oregon State Stadium and oversaw the construction of Western Michigan’s new basketball and hockey arenas.
Beyond managing major capital projects, Bartholomae will be tasked with helping MSU remain competitive in an era of athlete compensation. The Spartans committed $23.12 million to football player packages in 2025, compared with more than $40 million at Ohio State and Oregon, according to NCAA figures. With NIL and revenue-sharing dollars playing an increasing role in recruiting and retention, athletic departments face growing pressure to keep pace financially.
Bartholomae’s financial strategy will develop beyond these initial projects. Previous MSU AD J Batt retired after only one year in the position, but Guskiewicz said 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.”
