The University of Kentucky has named J Batt as its new Director of Athletics and CEO of Champions Blue LLC. Batt is coming to Kentucky from Michigan State University, where he currently serves as Vice President and Athletics Director.

Leadership Experience

Batt has also held leadership roles at Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama. UK President Eli Capilouto said Batt has built a strong record in fundraising and facility development, while also maintaining a focus on student-athlete success both on and off the field.

At Michigan State, Batt helped secure a more than $400 million commitment, the largest single gift in college athletics history, and launched Spartan Ventures, a nonprofit designed to expand the university’s revenue opportunities. At Georgia Tech, Batt’s final year saw the department reach postseason play across multiple sports while also making significant gains in fundraising.

Batt will officially join UK later this summer and is expected to spend the coming weeks meeting with administrators, coaches, donors, and stakeholders. He succeeds Mitch Barnhart, who is retiring after leading UK Athletics for nearly 25 years. Under Barnhart, the Wildcats captured six NCAA championships and more than 60 conference titles.

Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.