Western Michigan University confirmed this week that Dan Bartholomae, who has led the Broncos' athletics program since 2022, will join Michigan State University following a $5.1 million buyout of his contract. The agreement ends a six‑year tenure marked by a contract extension that guaranteed him at least $750,000 per year.
Bartholomae’s departure comes after the university posted a record $21.8 million in revenue during the most recent academic year, a milestone achieved under his leadership alongside a 2025 national hockey championship and multiple league titles.
A Strategic Shift at Western Michigan
Elaine Russell, the interim vice president and director of athletics, will oversee the transition while WMU retains head coach Pat Ferschweiler. The move also preserves the employment of other key staff, including Kevin Guskiewicz and J Batt, who have been integral to the program’s recent successes.
The Kalamazoo Event Center
To cement its athletic ambitions, WMU is constructing the Kalamazoo Event Center, a 430,000‑square‑foot facility slated to open in 2027. The arena will replace the aging Lawson Ice Arena, accommodate 6,500 to 8,000 spectators, and host a historic outdoor hockey game against Michigan State at Waldo Stadium on January 30, 2027.
The new venue reflects a broader vision to elevate WMU’s sports profile, building on a legacy of revenue growth and championship achievements. University officials say the facility will provide a modern platform for student‑athletes to compete at the highest level and to foster leadership qualities that extend beyond the playing field.