Story courtesy of Western Michigan Athletic Communications Department

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University has extended the contract of Dan Bartholomae, vice president and director of athletics, to June 30, 2031. 
Since his arrival on Jan. 1, 2022, Bartholomae has led Bronco Athletics to unprecedented success across all dimensions of the program, including record-setting performance in competition and in the classroom, holistic student development, philanthropic support and overall revenue development.

"Under Dan's leadership, the performance of our student-athletes, coaches and the entire department has made it easy to root for our Broncos. Not only do we win often but we also compete with honor and honesty," says WMU President Russ Kavalhuna.

Bronco Athletics finished as the winningest athletics program in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) the last two academic years, finishing first in the MAC in the Learfield Directors' Cup—the only two times in WMU history. In 2024-25, nine programs advanced to the NCAA postseason, a school record. The Broncos finished the year with their first-ever national championship in men's ice hockey, the first WMU Division I national championship in 60 years and the only NCAA Division I championship in Michigan in 2024-25.

A study released earlier this week found WMU Athletics produces a total of $107 million in annual value to the University, including contributions to WMU's institutional brand visibility at $40.5 million and Kalamazoo County at $55 million, demonstrating the critical role Bronco Athletics plays in enrollment and the vitality of the community.

"Without doubt, Dan's leadership, clear vision and detailed plan for athletics has elevated the national profile of Intercollegiate Athletics and Western Michigan University as a whole," says Kavalhuna. "His steady leadership will be critically helpful to WMU's goals of remaining top of mind to prospective students and contributing to a vital local economy. With this extension, Dan and the University have made substantial long-term commitments to the future of Bronco Athletics at a critical moment in the history of Division I athletics."

Under Bartholomae's leadership, the Broncos reign in the classroom and the community as well with an 89% NCAA graduation success rate. In 2024, Bronco Athletics earned a near-perfect overall Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 990 while setting the school record for the most programs with perfect APR scores totaling 11. In 2023 and for the first time in school history, WMU simultaneously placed first across all programs in the MAC faculty academic awards measuring highest GPAs and APR scores. They have repeated these achievements in 2024 and 2025 for all men's programs.

"It is an honor and privilege to lead one of the top Division I athletic programs in the country," says Bartholomae. "Our department has set an ambitious vision of comprehensive excellence where every student-athlete will graduate ready to pursue a meaningful career, establish a high-quality connection with our community and compete for a championship. And at every turn, our coaches, staff and student-athletes have delivered on that vision. I am thankful to be on a team with them, and I'm particularly appreciative of the commitment and support of our new president, Russ Kavalhuna, and the tremendous partnerships our athletic department has with so many great people in Southwest Michigan. The work is just beginning!"

Student-athletes have also led the way in service to the community by setting a new record each of the last three years running. Most recently in 2025, athletes contributed approximately 6,700 hours of service, with a value of approximately $234,000, achieving 100% participation and placing them first in the MAC and fifth in the nation. These efforts were recognized by the Fiesta Bowl in 2025 with WMU as a top three finalist in Division I for service impact.

Bartholomae brought to WMU the vision for Broncos emPOWERed, WMU's first stand-alone life skills and student-athlete development program centered on holistic and leadership development. The first comprehensive program in the MAC develops student-athletes beyond academic support and coaching. Athletes get career preparation, financial management, inclusive excellence, and personal and leadership development. Students also receive dedicated mental-health counseling, nutrition assistance, and sexual violence prevention and bystander training.

Bartholomae has garnered the resources needed to compete at a high level and navigate the dynamic NCAA Division I environment. Despite receiving a University investment that places it in the lowest third of MAC schools and is lower than previous years at Western, the department produced $19.5 million in additional revenue in FY24—more than any other MAC program—thanks to aggressive pursuit of multimedia rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, improvement in fan experience, philanthropy and a diverse portfolio of other sources. Under Bartholomae's leadership, Bronco Athletics has raised $27.6 million in new philanthropy, averaging $6.9 million per year since his arrival and a 217% increase over the four years that preceded him. The total number of donors has also increased by 60%.

Ticket revenue has also grown in every ticketed sport, and WMU led the MAC in ticket revenue in FY24. Since 2022, average football attendance has grown by 23%, hockey by 22% and men's basketball by 14%. Net revenue from sponsorships has increased 34%, and in FY23, WMU had the highest sponsorship revenue in the MAC.

The expansive growth in philanthropy and diversified revenue have paved the way for significant and externally funded facility upgrades, starting with the ongoing construction of the nation's finest performance and competition venue for basketball and hockey at the Kalamazoo Event Center. Other upgrades include the opening of the state-of-the-art Bergeron Golf Performance Center; overdue replacement of turf at Waldo Stadium and the Seelye practice facility; locker-room upgrades for women's basketball, women's track and field, gymnastics, volleyball and men's tennis; a Taraflex floor to enhance safety and performance for volleyball; and upgraded practice and training facilities for gymnastics and soccer.   

Editors Note: A list of Bartholomae's selected successes can be found online

Western Michigan University Testimonials on VP Dan Bartholomae
"I knew from the moment I met Dan in January of 2022 that he would be the Athletic Director to bring Western a National Championship. He did that, and with his positive energy, attitude and love for the Brown and Gold, it certainly won't be the last. What I didn't realize then—but know now—is how deeply he cares for students, not just the athletes but every single student here. Dan wants to see success from everyone, both in and out of the classroom. He goes out of his way to foster relationships with the community, attend club meetings and student government meetings. He is also a giver, whether it's his time, approval or a favor. You ask, and he delivers without fail. His leadership has raised the standard for what it means to serve a university, and Western is stronger because of it. I'm beyond thrilled he's here to stay. Congratulations Dan!"
—Jackson Hammerschmidt (Western Michigan University Senior and president of the Lawson Lunatics

"Western Michigan University has seen great gains in student-athlete development and championship-level success under Dan's leadership. In addition, Dan has proven to be a valuable partner to the University Advancement team, where athletics annual giving has increased substantially since his hire. The WMU Athletics Strategic Plan will be a key lever in the forward momentum of our comprehensive campaign, and I am thrilled to see his leadership both recognized and extended at the University."
—Larry Lueth, chairman emeritus of First National Bank of Michigan and president of WMU Foundation

"Dan is the type of visionary leader that makes everyone and everything better. It has been great to watch him apply his talents to not only set the vision for Bronco Athletics but also execute that vision resulting in extraordinary success! Thanks for giving us so many reasons to be proud of our Broncos!"
—Tristan Moss, senior director of national accounts for Stryker and president of WMU Alumni Association