The public radio veteran who, for nearly a decade, coordinated every aspect of Classical 101's sound and operations died Tuesday morning after battling cancer.
Cheryl Dring came to WOSU as Classical 101's program director in 2016, after serving as a classical music announcer and music manager in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport and, later, after 16 years as program director for classical music stations in Dayton, Austin, Madison and Sacramento.
At WOSU, Dring developed Classical 101's sound and community presence with an unflagging commitment to serving central Ohio's listeners, and in initiatives that made an impact on and off the air. In partnership with The Ohio State University's School of Music and Nisonger Center, Dring was the leading force in developing and implementing Classical 101's IMMERSE, a sensory-friendly concert program for children on the autism spectrum. She created Classical 101's Replay! musical instrument drive which, in two iterations, brought in hundreds of donated instruments for students in Columbus schools.
A creative at heart, Dring was also a trusted coach and sounding board for Classical 101's on-air hosts and shared with her staff a wealth of experience and resourceful thinking about broadcasting. As a coach, she inspired Classical 101's announcers to weave great storytelling and great music into an uplifting tapestry of sound for central Ohio's listeners.
"She really took me aside and taught me the ins and outs of what to do on the air and how to prepare a show," said Craig Wheeler, who has served as Classical 101's afternoon host since Nov. 2024. "She was a thorough and patient teacher. I appreciate her patience, her willingness to share her knowledge with others and most of all, her friendship."
Dring had a distinct talent for turning colleagues into friends. Many of us will miss her passion for good conversation, her humor and her generosity of spirit. We will treasure our many conversations on subjects ranging from travel and music to literature and the local food scene. Those chats were always seasoned with Cheryl's unique insights and well-tuned wit.
"I will always remember her quick wit and amazing sense of humor," said Amy Juravich, executive producer and host of "All Sides with Amy Juravich." "I shared laughs with her daily, and I loved working with her on classical promos and classical membership drives. But most of all, I will miss her spirit and love of life."
Classical 101's former afternoon host and music manager, Kent Teeters, worked with Dring in Sacramento before joining WOSU's staff shortly after Dring's arrival in Columbus. The two worked closely together on the Classical 101 team, sharing musical insights and the joys of the table.
"Working together was incredibly satisfying, since our thoughts about sharing classical music with public radio listeners were so well aligned," Teeters said. "At and away from work, we were always sharing new music discoveries. We fellow foodies also enjoyed many meals together, wine and cheeses, though I never understood her distaste for olives, nor she my hate of coconut."
WOSU Digital News Editor Jared Brown also shared good work and good times with Dring, whom he remembers as a generous person who fully enjoyed those around her.
"Cheryl was so welcoming and such a warm spirit," Brown said. "She took a genuine interest in truly getting to know everyone. Cheryl's goodness cannot be overstated. She is loved, and her absence will be felt deeply."