Just three years ago, Donny Blankenship graduated from Auburn with no clear plan for his future.
Today, he is the well-known radio personality 'DJ Donny B' on Mix 96.7.
Blankenship, who was born and raised in Alpharetta, Ga., moved to Auburn in 2004 to attend the University.
"I was originally studying (public relations)," Blankenship said. "I always loved watching TV and movies, and then I discovered that Auburn actually offered a degree in radio, television and film and I switched to that."
Blankenship didn't know where his major might take him, but decided to follow his gut.
He worked as the assistant news director at WEGL until he received an opportunity to intern at Mix 96.7, where he's been ever since.
"It's my only job since interning in 2009, and now I run the station," Blankenship said.
Blankenship graduated in August of that year, and, along with his role as Mix 96.7's program director, he now hosts the station's morning show.
His job combines his interest in music with his likability and communication skills.
Blankenship's passion for music extends beyond his job and is what he spends most of his free time enjoying.
"I love music," he said. "I like to travel out of town to music festivals and concerts. I save up all my off-days for that."
Among his other interests are sports, especially football, and just enjoying life.
"I laugh a lot," Blankenship said, "and I'm easy to make laugh."
Blankenship said he is grateful to have a job where he can be in the music business and work with people that he gets along with really well.
"We're all friends outside of work," Blankenship said of his co-workers. "We got a really great opportunity."
Parker Tant, host of Mix 96.7's afternoon show, agrees.
"We all work really well together. It's always fun," said Tant, whose show comes on immediately after Bankenship's. "(Blankenship) is crazy ... unique, the way he does the show and the way he does things. He's just a very interesting and very fun guy."
Van Riggs, the station's director of operations, said "there's never a dull moment" when working with Blankenship.
Riggs also said that Blankenship is "fun, outgoing and a great guy to work with."
Blankenship said his job allows him to feel connected to the community and meet people that he otherwise wouldn't.
"Because we are a local content radio station, I get to meet people involved in making decisions like the mayor and the city council," Blankenship said. "I also get to meet people who are setting up events and doing positive things in the community because they come to me first to get the information out."
Blankenship can be heard weekdays on the Mix Morning Show from 6-10 a.m.
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