Syracuse University’s prestigious Bandier Program for Music Business Studies has tapped industry vet Bill Werde to be its new director. The program, which recently became part of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, was established in 2006, offering a curriculum in the business of music, media, marketing and entrepreneurship.

The program was launched largely through the generosity of Syracuse grad (and Sony Music/ATV Publishing CEO) Martin Bandier. “I’ve known Bill personally for a number of years and he has a knowledge and understanding of the music industry that is second to none,” Bandier said. “Bill joins at an incredibly exciting time for the program as it moves to the Newhouse School, and I know with his appointment that it will grow in stature, and its future is in extremely capable hands.”

Werde, whose experience includes an eight-year stint as Editorial Director at Billboard and work as a strategic adviser to media and music industry companies, is psyched about his move to academia. “Bandier already has the best music industry students and instructors in the world,” said Werde. “This move to the Newhouse School represents an opportunity to leverage some of the best advertising, PR, media, film and television resources and technologies available to students anywhere. I couldn’t be more honored and excited to shape this next chapter of Bandier.”

It’s rumored that Werde’s first order of business will be adding Plausible Deniability 101 to the program’s curriculum.