LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky named J Batt as its new athletic director and chief executive officer of Champions Blue LLC, the university announced Monday. Batt, a nationally recognized college sports leader known for prolific fundraising, will assume the position later this summer after departing Michigan State University.

Batt comes from Michigan State, where he served as vice president and director of athletics for just one year. He previously held the same role at Georgia Tech from October 2022 to June 2025. During his tenure at Georgia Tech, Batt garnered a reputation as a prolific fundraiser and helped modernize the school's fundraising operations. He also worked at the University of Alabama in various roles, including chief operating officer and chief revenue officer, where he launched a 10-year, $600 million capital campaign.

University President Eli Capilouto praised Batt's track record, saying he "has distinguished himself as a record-breaker in fundraising and as a leader who strategically invests in facilities to maximize resources and revenue." At Michigan State, Batt was instrumental in securing more than $400 million in commitments and established Spartan Ventures, a nonprofit similar to Champions Blue LLC, to create new revenue streams.

Batt's appointment comes as Kentucky seeks new leadership for its innovative business structure. Mitch Barnhart, the longest-tenured FBS athletic director, is retiring at the end of June after nearly 25 years leading the department. Under Barnhart's tenure, Kentucky won six NCAA championships and earned more than 60 conference or conference tournament titles.

Champions Blue LLC is a limited liability company designed to enhance management and revenue generation for the athletic department as college sports undergoes rapid transformation. The structure allows Kentucky to pursue public-private partnerships, develop real estate ventures and explore new funding models amid evolving NCAA rules on athlete compensation.

Batt is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the 2001 NCAA championship men's soccer team. He earned his 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.