Michigan State hires WMU's Dan Bartholomae as AD

Nov 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State mascot Sparty runs out onto the field before a game against Penn State at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images Michigan State hired Western Michigan athletic director Dan Bartholomae to the same role on Monday. Bartholomae was the AD in Kalamazoo, Mich., since June 2022. Under his watch, the Broncos won the 2025 national title in hockey and a 2025 conference title in football in addition to producing record-breaking fundraising efforts. Michigan State president Kevin M. Guskiewicz wrote in a statement, "The future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission. At Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over. "Dan shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era. We are excited to start this next chapter with him as our leader." Bartholomae wrote in an "open letter" to the Spartans community, in part, "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." Before joining Western Michigan, Bartholomae spent five years as Oregon State's deputy athletic director. Bartholomae will officially start work on Aug. 31, replacing J Batt, who departed on July 28 to become Kentucky's athletic director. Jon Palumbo has been serving as the interim AD. --Field Level Media