All the dignitaries of Michigan State University gathered around the Tom Izzo Football Building to watch a rocket blast off. Or at least, that’s the hope.
The newest era of college athletics has seen Michigan State lag behind its peers in an increasingly money-driven landscape. But as a standing ovation of coaches, university officials and donors welcomed new athletic director J Batt to East Lansing on Wednesday, Michigan State believes it found a leader who can elevate its programs to quickly make up ground.Right now, we have to take off like a rocket,” said Tom Izzo, Michigan State men’s basketball coach and co-interim athletic director. “Because nobody waits for athletics, they want instant success and instant credibility. And I think we’ve got a guy that can hit the ground running because of where he’s been and what he’s been through.”Batt was named Michigan State’s 21st athletic director June 2, replacing Alan Haller, who was fired May 1. A well-reputed revenue generator and fundraiser, Batt’s resume includes more than 14 years in athletics administration, including stops at Maryland, East Carolina, Alabama and most recently Georgia Tech, where he had been AD since 2022
