August 6 – J Batt, University of Kentucky Athletics Director

J Batt officially became the University of Kentucky’s athletics director and chief executive officer of Champions Blue, LLC on July 28, succeeding Mitch Barnhart, who served in the position for the last 24 years. A nationally recognized leader in college athletics, Batt brings extensive experience in administration, fundraising, revenue development and strategic investment in athletic facilities.

Batt came to Kentucky from Michigan State University, where he served as vice president and director of athletics. During his single year in East Lansing, he helped secure a historic and transformational philanthropic commitment of more than $400 million — the largest single gift in college athletics’ history — and established Spartan Ventures and Spartan Media Ventures to develop new revenue streams and partnerships. Michigan State student-athletes also achieved the highest department-wide GPA in school history during his tenure, and eight teams earned NCAA tournament bids this past year.

J Batt, announced as CEO of Champions Blue LLC and UK Athletics Director photographed on June 14, 2026. Photos by Mark Cornelison | UKphoto

Before joining Michigan State, Batt was director of athletics and vice president at Georgia Tech for three years. Under his leadership, Georgia Tech increased fundraising by more than 40 percent. He also launched Full Steam Ahead, a capital campaign designed to raise more than $500 million to modernize the Yellow Jackets’ athletic facilities, enhance the student athlete experience, and strengthen Georgia Tech’s competitive edge. During his final year at Georgia Tech, the university was one of only nine schools nationally that earned postseason berths in football, men’s and women’s basketball volleyball, softball and baseball.

No stranger to the Southeastern Conference, Batt previously held several leadership positions at the University of Alabama, including executive deputy athletics director. He also held senior roles in athletics departments at East Carolina University, the University of Maryland and James Madison University.

“Across these institutions, J has distinguished himself as a record-breaker in fundraising and as a leader who strategically invests in facilities to maximize resources and revenue,” University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said in a message to the UK campus announcing Batt’s hire. “As important, he has remained focused on ensuring student-athletes compete at the highest levels while being prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.”

Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, Batt is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Tar Heels’ 2001 national championship men’s soccer team. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and a master’s degree in sports administration from UNC. He and his wife, Leah, have two sons.