ALUMNI PROFILE
2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Donny Van Slee , DC
At the annual Distinguished Alumni and Student Life and Leadership Recognition Ceremony held this past spring at PHSC ’ s Instructional Performing Arts Center ( IPAC ), Donny Van Slee was recognized as the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year .
Raised in Weeki Wachee , Donny Van Slee , also known as Dr . Don , realized at a young age that music was more than just a passion – it was his life ’ s art . After graduating from Central High School in 2011 , Donny started to perform his music at local establishments around Hernando County .
While still figuring out what type of higher education he wanted to pursue , Donny attended and received his Associate in Arts degree and then his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management at Pasco-Hernando State College in 2014 and 2018 , respectively . president of the business club and was awarded the Virgil Strang Philosophy Award – which recognizes a deserving graduate for his or her distinctive accomplishments and contributions to the philosophical principles of chiropractic as a student .
While traveling from Florida to Colorado for an internship ,
Donny discovered Nashville , Tennessee . After graduating , Donny relocated to Music City and was instantly enrolled in Tootsie ’ s “ Honky Tonk School ” where he was taught the ropes of performing , singing , and crowd interaction in downtown Nashville .
Three years later , Donny grew a large enough online fanbase to capture the ears of people across the world including NBC ’ s popular music show , The Voice where he ended up turning the chairs of country music stars Dan and Shay and Reba McEntire .
After graduating from PHSC , Donny attended Palmer College of Chiropractic , located in Daytona Beach , Florida . While attending school , he became
Donny continues to reside in Nashville where he actively writes and releases songs , performs at local venues , and practices chiropractic care .
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