New Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics J Batt was introduced to Spartan Nation at an introductory press conference on June 4 in the Greg and Dawn Williams Lobby of the Tom Izzo Football Building on the MSU campus.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:00) – Opening remarks from President Guskiewicz

(3:11) – President Guskiewicz introduces Tom Izzo.

(8:22) – President Guskiewicz continues his remarks.

(12:45) – President Guskiewicz introduces J Batt.

Related Content: Meet new MSU Spartans Athletic Director J Batt

Questions from the media for Kevin and J

(20:16) – “Challenges are not a responsibility. They’re a privilege.”

(21:05) – How do you enhance MSU’s role within the Big Ten?

(21:50) – How important is it to you to learn MSU’s history?

(22:52) – What’s the role for non-revenue sports in today’s landscape?

(23:31) – Did you talk to Nick Saban about MSU?

(24:13) – How much can you change quickly, and how much needs to change? And what about NIL?

(25:45) – What traits of J’s stood out to you?

(27:32) – What is J’s rocket fuel?

(28:49) – Did J do something that convinced you to hire him?

(30:28) – How can you best help football?

(31:18) - What do you look for in the people you hire?

(32:05) – How important was it for you to hire someone with sitting athletic director experience?

(33:40) – Talk about the importance of alignment in an athletic department.

Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.