Michigan State University has officially found its man. On Monday, the Spartans announced they are hiring Dan Bartholomae as their new Vice President and Director of Athletics, replacing J Batt, who left Michigan State for Kentucky.
Bartholomae wasted no time getting aquainted with Spartan fans, releasing a statement shortly after the news dropped, which you can read below:
Dear Spartans,
To say that I am excited to be a part of the Spartan family and to get a chance to work with you all is a great understatement! I am absolutely ecstatic to be here and cannot wait to get started.
One of the many reasons Michigan State is such an attractive opportunity is because it already presents such a strong foundation upon which we can build together. I believe that foundation is built in part on two things: fantastic people and a relentless work ethic. I see it as my job to activate all of the great people in the Spartan community in establishing a plan to achieve the most aspirational goals that we can imagine. I am thrilled that there is already such a strong network of alumni and supporters whose passion will be the most important asset we have as we move forward.
With your support, we will create a culture of Spartan Excellence without Exception. The standards will be high and the expectations will match them. We can achieve extraordinary things at Michigan State University by challenging the status quo and continuously aiming higher. Most importantly, we will do it together.
My official start date will be August 31, and I cannot wait to be with you all at Spartan Stadium for our home football opener and at so many other important events this Fall. We will hit the ground running ... the beginning is often the most important part of the work. We are at the start of what will be an outstanding academic year and something special. I look forward to meeting you all and even more so the great days we have ahead working together.
Go Green!
More: Social media reacts to Michigan State announcing new Athletic Director
"We can achieve extraordinary things at Michigan State University by challenging the status quo and continuously aiming higher. Most importantly, we will do it together."
— Michigan State Athletics (@MSU_Athletics) August 17, 2026
A Letter from Michigan State AD Dan Bartholomae. pic.twitter.com/BKWkSVrvhL
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: New Michigan State Director of Athletics releases statement