News Summary
Michigan State University has appointed Jon Palumbo as the Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer. Palumbo previously held a similar role at Georgia Tech, where he was instrumental in enhancing the athletics program. He will oversee several key departments, aiming to elevate Michigan State’s athletics under the direction of Athletic Director J Batt. Palumbo’s extensive experience includes successful tenures at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Virginia Commonwealth University, contributing to significant athletic achievements. He expressed enthusiasm about the new role and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University has announced the hiring of Jon Palumbo as the new Executive Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer, a move that is expected to strengthen the university’s athletics program. Palumbo, who previously held a similar position at Georgia Tech, will officially begin his role in late July 2025 after wrapping up his current duties at Georgia Tech.
With extensive experience in athletic administration, Palumbo was instrumental in enhancing Georgia Tech Athletics through various strategic initiatives while closely collaborating with newly appointed Michigan State Athletic Director J Batt. At Georgia Tech, Palumbo served as executive deputy athletics director and chief operating officer, where he focused on developing successful coaching hires and facilitating significant projects like the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center. Under his leadership, the Georgia Tech football program achieved back-to-back bowl appearances in the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
In his new position at Michigan State, Palumbo will act as the primary sport administrator for the football program. His responsibilities will encompass overseeing several key units within the athletics department, including finance and budget, event operations, facilities, capital projects, and strategic initiatives. Batt has expressed enthusiasm about bringing Palumbo on board, highlighting his experience and knowledge and predicting a positive impact on the department.
Palumbo’s impressive career includes a successful tenure as the Director of Athletics at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi from 2018 to 2022, where he led the university to a historic seven Southland Conference championships in the 2021-22 season. He played a pivotal role in achieving the school’s first-ever women’s all-sports championship and the Southland Conference Academic Performance Award.
Before his time at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Palumbo served as a deputy athletics director at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2012 to 2018, where he was involved in successful NCAA tournament appearances and overseen various capital projects. He also held associate athletic director roles at the University of Maryland and American University.
Palumbo holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from LaSalle University, where he graduated with honors and played baseball as the team captain, contributing to his deep understanding of athletics. He later received an MBA from the same institution.
As Palumbo prepares to transition to Michigan State, he expressed his sense of humility and excitement to join the university. His commitment to elevating the athletics department to new heights under Batt’s leadership stands as a core focus in his upcoming role.
Palumbo resides with his wife, Rachel, and their two Australian shepherds, Camden and Dan.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Student’s Rights
J Batt Appointed New Athletic Director at MSU
Michigan State Hockey Coach Adam Nightingale Signs Extension
Michigan Athletic Department Faces Budget Challenges
Plymouth Christian Academy Eagles Face Summerfield Bulldogs in Playoff Showdown
University Liggett School Faces Plymouth Christian Academy in Semifinals
Landmark Settlement Transforms College Athletics Revenue Model
Michigan State’s Athletic Director Embraces Revenue Sharing in College Sports
Landmark Settlement Allows Direct Payments to Student-Athletes
Plymouth Christian Academy to Host Laingsburg High School in Regional Match
Additional Resources
- Michigan State Spartans
- Lansing State Journal
- Detroit News
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Michigan State University
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
