Capitol News

Michigan State University (MSU) has announced a leadership change in its athletics department. University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz confirmed Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Alan Haller, will be leaving his position at the university.

"I'm grateful for Alan's leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership," Guskiewicz stated. "He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity."

Guskiewicz aims to appoint a new athletic director who can effectively manage the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to enhance Michigan State's standing among Power Four institutions.

Haller has served as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics since September 2021. Under his leadership, several MSU athletics programs have celebrated Big Ten championships, including men's basketball, women's soccer, women's gymnastics, men's ice hockey, and women's cross country. Additionally, Spartan athletes excelled academically, recording the highest cumulative GPA in the athletic department's history in 2024 at 3.4324.

The university plans to initiate a formal search for Haller's successor in the next few weeks. In the interim, Deputy Athletic Director Jennifer Smith and Men's Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo will serve as co-interim athletic directors. Haller's final day at MSU is scheduled for May 11.

"This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever," Guskiewicz added. "Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation's more storied athletic programs, home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence and, most importantly, an ambitious future."

MSU will engage search firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in the process, with an advisory committee working alongside Guskiewicz and the firm.