David Barbe’s résumé was always in the stack during the national search for the University’s director of the music business program.

Now it’s the only one left, as Barbe was named the program’s permanent director Thursday.

Barbe has served in the director position on an interim basis since August.

BARBE

“I felt good about it while [the search] was going on, but you never know,” Barbe told The Red & Black. “I was aware that there’s a chance the University might decide to go with someone with a different background, more of an academic background, and mine is obviously not that. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.”

Barbe has lived in Athens for 30 years, initially coming to study journalism at the University. He then entered the rich music scene in Athens, playing and working with several bands throughout the past three decades and gaining experience in the industry he can now pass on to the students in the program.

Robert T. Sumichrast, dean of the Terry College of Business, said in a news release Barbe’s many connections in the music industry and the work he has already put into improving the program since August won him the job.

Barbe said the students and faculty involved in the music business program have known about the hire for a few days. When Tom Lewis, associate director of the music business program, introduced him to a class of students as the permanent director, the students had a more than favorable reaction.

“I got a pretty rousing round of applause,” Barbe said. “The students made me want to do this. Working with the kids is what made me want to do this.”

Rebekah Baldwin, a senior magazines major and  music business student from Peachtree City, said the program has always helped students get real-world experiences in the business, but that Barbe’s extensive background will only add to that. She said he encourages students to start their own companies and businesses to get that crucial experience.

“I think [the hire is] great. I sat in on one of his class one time and he definitely knows what he’s talking about,” Baldwin said. “I think it helps that he has experience in a lot of different areas of the industry and really able to give real world experiences.”

Barbe wants to pique the interests of more students to enroll in the program and wants the program to adapt and progress with the music industry as it evolves in the digital age.

“We want to continue to grow the program, spread the word, because I think a lot of people could be interested that are not aware of it,” Barbe said. “We want to continue to keep moving forward with regard to where the music business is going. We want to keep changing and evolving as the music industry does.”