News Summary
J Batt has accepted a new position as vice president and director of athletics at Michigan State University, leaving his impactful role at Georgia Tech Athletics. During his tenure, Batt led significant fundraising initiatives, achieved record-breaking financial milestones, and successfully integrated numerous strategic programs. He oversaw notable competitive successes across multiple sports and improved the academic achievements of student-athletes. As Georgia Tech begins the search for his replacement, Batt’s departure raises important questions about the future of the athletics program amidst evolving challenges in collegiate sports.
Atlanta, Georgia — J Batt has accepted a new role as the vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Michigan State University, leaving his position at Georgia Tech Athletics. This transition marks the end of a transformative period for Georgia Tech Athletics that began when Batt took office in October 2022.
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera recognized Batt’s significant contributions during his tenure, noting the “remarkable impact” he made on the athletics program. Under Batt’s leadership, Georgia Tech achieved record-breaking fundraising milestones and notable competitive success across multiple sports.
During his time at Georgia Tech, Batt implemented several strategic initiatives that led to impressive results. He was instrumental in hiring head coaches for key sports programs, including Brent Key for football, Damon Stoudamire for men’s basketball, and Karen Blair for women’s basketball. He launched the “Full Steam Ahead” campaign in 2023, with an ambitious goal of raising $500 million to upgrade facilities and enhance student-athlete experiences. This campaign has already garnered over $300 million in pledges.
The athletics department set a new record for fundraising, bringing in $78.2 million in fiscal year 2024, which represents a 43% increase over the previous record. Additionally, Batt secured a multidecade partnership with Hyundai Motor Company, which has provided a boost to both revenue streams and sustainability initiatives within the athletics program. Batt also made strides in academic achievements for student-athletes, culminating in a 94% graduation success rate and an all-time high GPA of 3.30 for the spring semester of 2025.
In terms of competitive performance, Georgia Tech Athletics experienced strong postseason outcomes, with 14 out of 17 teams advancing in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. The football team achieved consecutive bowl berths for the first time in a decade and notable appearances such as NCAA semifinals in golf and a Sweet 16 berth in volleyball.
Additionally, Batt was responsible for moving the 2025 Georgia Tech football game venue to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a decision expected to generate approximately $10 million. He introduced innovative events, including the Helluva Block Party for football weekends, and was proactive in integrating name, image, and likeness changes impacting college athletics.
As Batt moves to Michigan State University, it has been reported that he will receive an annual salary of $1.8 million, along with a buyout of over $2 million owed to Georgia Tech. His recruitment by Michigan State arrives amidst their search for a new athletic director, following Alan Haller’s recent departure on May 11. Batt’s hiring was not without speculation, as he recently signed a contract extension in December, yet interest from a major conference school was anticipated.
Georgia Tech is now tasked with beginning a national search for Batt’s replacement, a critical undertaking given the current dynamics of college athletics, particularly with uncertainties surrounding the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The search for a new athletic director will be crucial as the university strives to maintain its momentum and address the changing landscape of collegiate sports.
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Who could be Georgia Tech’s next athletic director?
- Google Search: Georgia Tech Athletic Director
- WOOD TV: Sources: Michigan State to hire Georgia Tech’s J Batt as next athletic director
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Athletics
- SI: J Batt leaves behind a good foundation at Georgia Tech for the next AD
- Google News: Michigan State Athletic Director J Batt
- CBS Sports: Michigan State expected to hire Georgia Tech’s J Batt as athletic director
- Wikipedia: Intercollegiate Athletics
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