That was fast. Just a few weeks after the official departure of former athletic director J Batt to Kentucky, Michigan State has found their next Director of Athletics. On Monday, the Spartans revealed that they will be hiring Western Michigan's athletic director, Dan Bartholomae, as the next Vice President and Director of Athletics at the University.
Bartholomae has held that role with Western Michigan since 2022, where he helped lead the Broncos to an NCAA national championship in Men's ice hockey in 2025, followed by winning the MAC championship in football that same year. Bartholomae was known as a top-notch fundraiser while at Western Michigan, where he increased annual giving by 473 percent during his tenure.
The hire has been almost universally praised, and social media showed that most are in favor of the hire. You can see the best reactions to the move below:
A new chapter for Spartan Athletics!
— Michigan State Athletics (@MSU_Athletics) August 17, 2026
We’re excited to welcome Dan Bartholomae to Michigan State as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. pic.twitter.com/ExgofZ8bbW
I’m excited to announce Dan Bartholomae as our next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics!
— Kevin Guskiewicz (@KevinGuskiewicz) August 17, 2026
Dan brings the leadership and vision to build on @MSU_athletics success and help us reach new levels of excellence, on the field, in the classroom and in the community. https://t.co/a5bKmnHmXB
There’s the official announcement. A lot to like about this hire, to me. I’ve never met Bartholomae but everyone I know who’s interacted with him has had very good things to say. https://t.co/9qPoHxMMHj
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) August 17, 2026
In awe of my brother-in-law for this. Go get em @danbart3! Unless they’re playing the Hogs (like on thanksgiving…Go Hogs) https://t.co/wYi0bi0dm3
— Phil Elson (@PhilElsonPxP) August 17, 2026
You’re a Spartan now, Dan! Greatest warriors of all time! Welcome home! GO GREEN! https://t.co/y3gj6f9own
— Ken Mannie (@SpartanEarned1) August 17, 2026
There are some sad people at Western Michigan today, but to a person they are happy for Dan. https://t.co/vGLZWyY5Gm
— Tony Paul | Detroit News (@TonyPaul1984) August 17, 2026
Maybe he won't torpedo gymnastics' growth aspirations like the last two guys!
— Ben S | @ PRCC 8/17 (@BenSLASports) August 17, 2026
It is worth noting that he led the charge for WMU's new arena and wanted them to bid on hosting women's gymnastics regionals AND men's gymnastics nationals. https://t.co/y5xzLjKJC8
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Social media reacts to Michigan State announcing new Athletic Director