Michigan State Names Interim Athletic Director After J Batt Exit

Michigan State University has named an interim athletic director following J Batt's departure from East Lansing.

Michigan State Moves Quickly After J Batt’s Departure

Jon Palumbo will step into the position immediately after Batt finalized a deal to become the athletic director at the University of Kentucky.

Who Is Jon Palumbo?

Palumbo is not a new face inside Spartan Athletics. He joined Michigan State in July 2025 and works as the university's executive deputy athletic director, chief operating officer, and CEO of Spartan Ventures.

Palumbo’s Role Inside Spartan Athletics

In that role, he has been involved in several parts of the athletic department. Palumbo serves as the primary administrator for the football program and oversees the department's finances, budget, facilities, event operations, equipment, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

He was also part of the search that led Michigan State to hire Pat Fitzgerald as its head football coach after the 2025 season.

Previous Athletic Director Experience

Palumbo will continue leading Spartan Ventures while serving as interim athletic director. During that time, another person will be selected to take his seat on the organization's board.

Before coming to Michigan State, Palumbo worked at Georgia Tech as executive deputy athletic director and chief operating officer. He worked closely there with Batt, who later left Georgia Tech to take over the athletic department at MSU in June 2025.

What Comes Next for Michigan State?

Palumbo also has experience stepping into these roles. After Batt left Georgia Tech, Palumbo became the school's vice president and interim director.

At this time, Michigan State University has not announced a timeline for selecting a new athletic director.