A New Era for Michigan State Athletics
Dan Bartholomae has been appointed athletic director at Michigan State, stepping into a role that has seen rapid turnover in recent months. His arrival follows the resignation of J. Batt, who left the position after just one year to join Kentucky.
Bartholomae comes to East Lansing after a 15‑year career at the University of Pittsburgh and five years as executive deputy athletic director at Oregon State University. The move is being framed as a strategic infusion of experience and a proven ability to grow athletic programs both on and off the field.
Championship pedigree and financial vision
During his tenure at Western Michigan, Bartholomae oversaw the program’s ascent to a 2025 national hockey championship and helped secure 37 conference titles. Under his leadership, external revenue generation jumped by 105 percent, a boost that university officials say reflects his skill in expanding the department’s financial footprint.
Perhaps the most high‑profile accomplishment was the $515 million downtown Kalamazoo arena project, which he steered to completion entirely through private funding. The facility has become a model for how collegiate programs can finance major infrastructure without relying on public bonds.
Bartholomae’s background also includes work on a $515 million arena project in Kalamazoo, where he expanded external revenue by 105 percent and guided Western Michigan to its 2025 national hockey championship. His experience at the University of Pittsburgh and Oregon State further underscores a career built on blending competitive success with fiscal responsibility.
University leaders say they are confident that Bartholomae’s blend of championship experience and financial acumen will translate into sustained competitive advantage across all Michigan State sports. They point to his ability to navigate complex athletic budgets and his deep connections within collegiate hockey as key assets for the next phase of program development.