The Power of Mentorship: Honoring the Legacy of Dave Black

The Power of Mentorship: Honoring the Legacy of Dave Black

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to acknowledge and appreciate the impact mentors contribute personally and professionally and their impact on society.

Mentorship is one of the most profound gifts we can offer each other, and no one embodied this more than Dave Black. As the co-founder and inaugural General Manager of WSUM Madison Student Radio, Dave wasn’t just a leader—he was a guide, a teacher, and an unwavering source of inspiration. His mentorship impacted thousands of students, shaping not only their careers but also their values and vision for the future.

Dave’s journey was a testament to innovation and resilience. In the face of significant challenges, he launched WSUM as an internet-only station in 1997, ensuring students could broadcast even before the station secured its FM license in 2002. This forward-thinking decision set the stage for WSUM to grow into one of the largest and most respected college radio stations in the country, with a global audience of over 183,000 listeners by 2021.

Dave Black: A Mentor Who Shaped Futures

But Dave’s impact went far beyond the airwaves. He was a mentor to more than 2,000 students, teaching them the technical and creative skills of broadcasting while also helping them develop critical thinking, professionalism, and confidence. His guidance wasn’t limited to the classroom—Dave took a personal interest in every student, encouraging them to find their passion and build meaningful careers. Many of his mentees have gone on to work at major networks like NPR, NBC, ESPN, and beyond, carrying his lessons with them every step of the way.

Dave’s mentorship wasn’t just about professional growth; it was rooted in a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. He fostered relationships with campus organizations like First Wave and the PEOPLE Program, ensuring that WSUM was a space where everyone felt valued and supported. He believed in the power of media to build connections, challenge assumptions, and create positive change.

As a teacher and mentor, Dave taught that media is more than a tool for storytelling—it’s a way to teach critical thinking and to amplify voices that need to be heard. He often said, “When you teach students how to make media, they become more critical consumers of media.” This philosophy drove his work and inspired generations of students to use their platforms responsibly and authentically.

Dave’s mentorship extended beyond his career. His warmth, honesty, and generosity touched everyone who knew him. Colleagues and friends admired his steadfast dedication and his ability to make everyone feel valued. Even in retirement, Dave continued to support his community and former students, offering wisdom and encouragement whenever it was needed.

Today, we celebrate Dave Black’s legacy by reflecting on the power of mentorship. His work reminds us that mentorship isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about believing in people, supporting their growth, and empowering them to create meaningful change.

How has mentorship shaped your journey? Share your stories @askcbi and join us in celebrating the incredible legacy of Dave Black. Together, let’s continue the work he started by uplifting those around us. 

Continuing His Legacy: The Power of Mentorship and Nomination

Want to recognize your mentor? Nominate Someone for the Dave Black Award! Named in honor of long-time CBI member and WSUM-FM co-founder and General Manager, Dave Black, this award recognizes those who exemplify the values Dave held dear. Whether working with his beloved students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison or as part of the CBI board, Dave was committed to helping others achieve their best.

Nominate a deserving individual who has made an impact through mentorship and leadership in college broadcasting. Let’s keep Dave’s legacy alive by celebrating those who inspire and uplift others just as he did.

Nominations for the 2025 Dave Black Excellence in Advising Award will be open soon. Questions can be directed to the Awards Committee at awards@askcbi.org.

Nominees should be an active CBI Member who has direct interaction in a managerial and/or advisory capacity for a student electronic media operation and has distinguished themselves in that role. Upon acceptance of their nomination, nominees will be asked to submit their CV/resume, as well as letters of recommendation.

#MentorshipMatters #DaveBlack #LegacyOfLeadership #CBIAwards #WSUM #Broadcasting #TeachingThroughMedia