The University of Kentucky names new athletics director

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The University of Kentucky has a new athletic director.

The university announced on Monday that J Batt has been named Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue LLC and UK Athletics Director.

Batt comes to UK from Michigan State University, where he serves as Vice President and Director of Athletics. Previously, he served as Director of Athletics and Vice President at Georgia Tech. He served multiple roles at the University of Alabama for several years, including Executive Deputy Director. Batt also has worked at a number of other university athletics departments.

“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 today in a message to the UK campus. “As important, he has remained focused on ensuring student-athletes compete at the highest levels while being prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to join the University of Kentucky and the Big Blue Nation,” Batt said. “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.”

Batt will replace Mitch Barnhart who announced his departure in March.