Janet Elaine Deal Daniel

Janet Elaine Deal Daniel '72, '75, '77 had a connection with Winthrop before she even enrolled as a student.

Her two older sisters, Judy Deal Tillinghast '68 and Phyllis Deal Adkins '71, attended Winthrop, and she recalled coming to visit them and admiring the incredible friendships and relationships they had fostered.

“I saw the friendships that they had developed and the academic and social atmosphere felt like being a part of a family,” Daniel said.

Her younger brother, William M. Deal Jr. '80, then followed in their footsteps, motivated by the pride his sisters took in Winthrop and the surrounding community.

Their pride in their alma mater has been a part of the Deal family ever since and has been a big factor in them giving back to the university. They have a long history of giving and this past December, the siblings each purchased personalized bricks on Scholars Walk to support the Winthrop Fund, which backs a number of initiatives, including student scholarships and undergraduate research.

“I believe that supporting students with scholarships not only helps them financially but also provides a message of encouragement and gives them hope for a better future,” said Daniel, who holds multiple education degrees from Winthrop.

Her admiration for teaching started in public schools. She later taught English at York Technical College for several years. After relocating from Rock Hill to Charlotte, Daniel began working at the University of North Carolina Charlotte with students with disabilities. Following that position, she served as UNCC's director of academic advising and learning assistance services. For the last couple of decades, Daniel has served as director of the Office of Adult Students and Evening Services at UNCC.

A longtime mentor and advocate for adult education, she understands the importance of supporting the academic and career goals of students, whether they are teenagers or in their golden years. Daniel believes all learners deserve access to education.

“Giving makes me feel happy that I am able to help others; it is personally satisfying and rewarding,” Daniel said. “All of the financial gifts from donors will help us reach our goal of supporting Winthrop students to graduate and become productive members of society,” she added.

She encourages young alumni to start their commitment to giving early on in their careers.

“Support to Winthrop is vital to sustaining a long-term giving plan,” she said.

Daniel has been recognized for her work in education, having been honored as Woman of the Year and Employee of the Year at UNCC. She is a founding leader of the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) and is an active member of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education and the National Academic Advising Association.