Dan Bartholomae will take over as Michigan State University's athletic director and vice president under a five-year contract worth more than $1.3 million per year. The university announced his appointment at a news conference in East Lansing.
On September 11, 2026, Michigan State University's Board of Trustees approved Dan Bartholomae as the new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. The board finalized his appointment with a public vote in East Lansing. Bartholomae's contract runs for five years, starting at $1.3 million in base salary and rising to $1.6 million by the 2030-31 academic year. This places him among the highest-paid athletic directors in both the Big Ten Conference and Michigan's public sector, according to the state government registry.
The agreement includes a 20% performance bonus, annual meetings with MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz to set and review goals, a university vehicle, up to four tickets for major home games, country club membership, and up to $25,000 for moving expenses. These terms are designed to provide stability and strong management for MSU's athletic programs, which involve thousands of student athletes and play a central role on campus.
Bartholomae comes to MSU after serving as athletic director at Western Michigan University since 2022. To bring him to East Lansing, MSU paid a $5.1 million buyout to Western Michigan, reflecting the competitive nature of hiring athletic leaders among Michigan's public universities. The City of East Lansing, where MSU is based, works closely with the university on public safety and event planning, especially during major athletic events that affect local traffic and emergency services, as shown in recent City Council meeting records.
This change in leadership follows a period of turnover in MSU's athletic department. J Batt, hired in June 2025 on a six-year, $12.6 million contract, left for Kentucky, which led MSU to launch a national search that ended with Bartholomae's selection. The move also saw Spartan Ventures CEO Jon Palumbo depart, with Eric Reinke stepping in as interim CEO while the university searches for a permanent replacement. Oakland County officials have been watching these changes, given the regional impact of MSU's athletic programs.
Bartholomae will oversee athletic operations, ensure compliance with NCAA and Big Ten rules, and guide the department through changes in college sports policy, including athlete compensation and program transparency. MSU often works with local school boards, such as Farmington Public Schools, on student engagement and athletic outreach, which extends the university's influence across the region.
Bartholomae's hiring and contract reflect a wider move among major universities to invest in athletic leadership, recognizing the role of sports in university branding, student recruitment, and alumni relations. The university's decision to offer a multi-year, high-value contract highlights the emphasis on athletic success and stability in a competitive college environment.
