Kentucky announces hiring of J Batt as new athletics director
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kentucky has its new athletics director. The program announced the hiring of J Batt on Monday.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join the University of Kentucky and the Big Blue Nation,” Batt said in a program release. “The championship standard has been established at Kentucky and we are committed to upholding that standard of excellence. Our continued success will take everyone in the Big Blue Nation, working together to provide resources to our teams and our student athletes that position them for success. With that standard as our North Star, Kentucky Athletics and Champions Blue are well-positioned to deliver results in the changing landscape that is college athletics today.
“Despite this period of ongoing change, we remain in the opportunity business — creating opportunities for our student-athletes to compete and win championships, earn degrees and prepare for life after sport. We are excited to work with an outstanding staff and coaches on behalf of a University to deliver for the Big Blue Nation and to serve this special community that represents the entire Commonwealth.”
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Batt comes to UK from Michigan State. Previous stops include being AD at Georgia Tech and Executive Deputy Director at Alabama.
“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,” UK President Eli Capilouto said in a released statement. “As important, he has remained focused on ensuring student-athletes compete at the highest levels while being prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.”
Batt, who emerged as UK’s top target over the weekend, succeeds Mitch Barnhart as Kentucky athletic director. Barnhart has held the position since 2002 and announced his plans to retire in March.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
