Jon Palumbo leaves Michigan State to join J Batt at Kentucky

4 sources1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 4:00 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Jon Palumbo leaves Michigan State to join J Batt at Kentucky
Summary

Jon Palumbo is departing Michigan State University to join former athletic director J Batt at the University of Kentucky. Palumbo, who previously served as the interim athletic director in East Lansing following the departure of Batt, led the launch of the fundraising organization Spartan Ventures this past July. Following the appointment of Dan Bartholomae as the new athletic director on August 17, Michigan State will now conduct a national search to fill the vacancy left by Palumbo. Eric Reinke, the executive senior associate athletic director and chief business officer, will serve as the interim CEO for the fundraising arm. Meanwhile, Deputy athletic director Jen Smith will assume responsibility for the other units previously overseen by Palumbo. Bartholomae has taken over as the primary sport administrator for the football program.

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Key Details
  • Jon Palumbo is leaving his role as CEO of Spartan Ventures.
  • Palumbo will join former athletic director J Batt at the University of Kentucky.
  • Eric Reinke is serving as the interim CEO for Spartan Ventures.
  • Dan Bartholomae has assumed Palumbo's former duties as football sport administrator.
  • Michigan State is initiating a national search for a new CEO.
Latest Updates
  • 4:00 PMYahoo SportsJon Palumbo Leaves Michigan State, Joining J Batt At Kentucky
  • 2:56 PMYahoo SportsSpartan Ventures CEO leaves Michigan State to join J Batt in Kentucky
What they're saying
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Two months after its launch, Spartan Ventures is looking for a new leader.

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Palumbo will follow the former Spartan athletic director to Lexington.

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