Don Slesnick III (BSRPT ’99)

As a University of Florida freshman in 1994, Donald “Don” Slesnick III (BSRPT ’99) was certain of one thing: He did not fit into a box. 

“I really had no idea what I wanted to do, and that’s why I wanted a big school,” Slesnick said. “I wanted to find myself and figure out where I wanted to go in life.” 

Three decades into his professional journey, Slesnick’s career remains defined by an enduring openness to new possibilities. Based in Miami, he has embraced the next chapter in his life, serving as a music educator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Alongside his teaching, he continues to oversee specialized projects for DecoNetworks, the boutique management and technology consulting firm he established in 2001. His deep-rooted commitment to the community is further reflected in his ongoing volunteer leadership with the Orange Bowl Committee. While his professional path is anything but linear, Slesnick credits his UF experience with equipping him with the skills and confidence to adapt.  

Finding direction through leisure 

Growing up in Miami, Slesnick’s interests ranged from computers to music, but when he arrived at UF, he found it challenging to choose a major that captured his passion. The turning point came almost by chance when his roommate suggested a course that sounded unconventional: Introduction to Leisure.  

“I took Introduction to Leisure, and it really changed my whole thought process,” Slesnick said. “It was like, we’re going to study what everyone else does when they’re not working. It really hit home because, born and raised in Miami, tourism is one of our number one industries – it just spoke to me.” 

While a student, Slesnick pursued an internship with the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau, working in the Travel Industry Marketing Department with a focus on IT support and web development. The timing placed him at the center of a transformative moment for the region, as Orlando prepared for the opening of Universal CityWalk Orlando and Islands of Adventure.  

After graduating with his degree in recreation, parks and tourism, Slesnick entered an industry reshaped by the aftermath of 9/11. As tourism stalled nationwide, he pivoted professionally, launching a career in IT consulting that led to his role as director of information technology for a Miami-based law firm. 

Though no longer working directly in tourism, Slesnick found his UF coursework foundational to his success.  

“In our classes, we had to present all the time, and we were taught how to interact with people and how to work with groups, because so much of what you’re doing in that field is group-oriented,” Slesnick said. “At the law firm, they found it a blessing that I could sit in a room with lawyers, engage with them on their level and have conversations with them.” 

Alongside his professional work, Slesnick remained active in South Florida’s nonprofit and civic landscape, contributing his expertise in marketing, budgeting, logistics, operations, and customer experience to organizations across tourism, hospitality, education and faith-based groups. Those experiences ultimately inspired him to formalize his consulting work through DecoNetworks, helping small businesses grow through technology and strategic leadership.  

A calling in music education 

As years passed, Slesnick and his wife, Cecilia, settled in Miami, where his family’s roots run deep – his father serving as Coral Gables’ Mayor from 2001 to 2011, and his mother a former Coral Gables’ Commissioner. In early 2023, Slesnick’s mother’s health declined. To comfort her, Slesnick played guitar and keyboard at her bedside.  

“Music was always part of my upbringing. She was one of the biggest proponents of music in my life,” said Slesnick, who was a part of his high school’s marching and jazz bands and continued with private guitar lessons into college. 

Near the end of her life, his mother asked if he had considered becoming a music teacher. 

“I was like, ‘No, I haven’t ever thought about that, but I’m here to play for you, so don’t worry about me, I’ll figure it out,’” Slesnick said. 

She passed away in August 2023.  

Serendipitously, just weeks later, Slesnick learned that his son’s elementary school was seeking a music teacher. At first, Slesnick was certain the school would find a qualified instructor, but as the weeks passed, he grew more tempted to float the idea to the principal.   

“I went to school and, at parent pickup, I said to the principal, ‘So I have this crazy idea, like, you guys don’t have a…’ and she’s like, ‘Yes, you can come substitute,’” Slesnick said.  

From there, Slesnick found himself teaching music every day. Soon after, he was hired as a permanent instructor. 

“I just fell in love with teaching,” Slesnick said. “To have the opportunity to share my passion for music while inspiring young and creative minds has truly been a rewarding experience. It is a joy to talk about and play music each and every day.” 

In 2026, Slesnick was voted Rookie Teacher of the Year. 

“I did not show up at UF saying, ‘I want to be a lawyer,’ and I became a lawyer,” Slesnick said. “I showed up not knowing what I wanted to do, ended up in the parks and rec, ended up doing IT, ended up working with nonprofits and leading nonprofits, and now here I am in a classroom. None of that makes sense to some people, but it makes perfect sense to me. I am the totality of that experience, and it has made me better in life.”