Mark Hollis Expresses Interest in Michigan State AD Position
WHO:
AP News - Mark Hollis expressed interest in leading Michigan State's athletic department again, stating, “I would be interested in talking to Michigan State about it.”
AP News - J Batt has been named Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue LLC in addition to his role as UK Athletics Director.
AP News - J Batt has been named Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue LLC in addition to his role as UK Athletics Director.
AP News - Mitch Barnhart is retiring after nearly 24 years as UK Athletics Director.
AP News - Mark Hollis, former Michigan State Athletic Director
AP News - J Batt, newly hired Athletic Director at the University of Kentucky
UK Athletics - Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky
UK Athletics - Mitch Barnhart, retiring Athletic Director at the University of Kentucky
WHAT:
AP News - Batt stated, “The championship standard has been established at Kentucky and we are committed to upholding that standard of excellence.”
AP News - Batt was instrumental in securing a commitment of more than $400 million at Michigan State, described as the largest single gift in college athletics history.
AP News - Batt's hiring follows his previous role as Director of Athletics at Georgia Tech from 2022 to 2025.
AP News - Batt helped Georgia Tech set fundraising records, exceeding previous marks by more than 40%.
AP News - Mark Hollis expressed interest in returning to lead Michigan State's athletic department.
AP News - J Batt was hired as the Athletic Director at the University of Kentucky, succeeding Mitch Barnhart.
UK Athletics - Batt's hiring follows his previous role as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Michigan State.
UK Athletics - Batt was instrumental in securing a more than $400 million commitment at Michigan State, the largest single gift in college athletics.
WHERE:
AP News - Hollis made his statement at Detroit Golf Club while serving as tournament director of the PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic.
AP News - Michigan State University
UK Athletics - University of Kentucky
AP News - Detroit Golf Club, where Hollis made his statement
WHEN:
WDRB - Batt will officially begin his new role at the University of Kentucky later this summer.
UK Athletics - Batt will officially join the University of Kentucky later this summer.
UK Athletics - Mitch Barnhart is retiring at the end of June.
WHY:
AP News - Hollis indicated his motivation to return to Michigan State by saying, “I care for the university and I want to help it in any way I can.”
AP News - Hollis stated, “I care for the university and I want to help it in any way I can,” indicating his motivation to return to Michigan State.
HOW:
On3 - Batt emphasized the importance of maximizing revenue streams and stated, “All we need is everybody to do one more.”
WDRB - Batt plans to spend the coming weeks meeting with university leaders, athletics staff, donors, and other stakeholders as he prepares to take the helm at Kentucky.
UK Athletics - Batt plans to spend the next several weeks talking and listening with UK leaders, Athletics staff, donors, and other stakeholders as he prepares to take the helm.
Mark Hollis has expressed interest in leading Michigan State's athletic department again, stating he would like to discuss the opportunity with the university. Meanwhile, J Batt has been named Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue LLC while continuing his role as UK Athletics Director, emphasizing a commitment to uphold Kentucky's championship standard. Batt will officially begin his new position at the University of Kentucky later this summer, and he highlighted the importance of maximizing revenue streams by encouraging everyone to contribute just a little more.