Johnny Deal graduated from Winthrop University in 1984 and was active on campus as he was one of the photographers for the Tatler.
The Tatler was the Winthrop yearbook that was annually published each school year. This publication captured students, campus life, and the classes that were taking place during that school year. However, due to the advancement in online communication, the last publication of the Tatler was the 2001-2002 academic school year.
“Being a yearbook photographer got me ‘behind the scenes’ on many occasions. I mainly took organization group pictures and candid shots around campus,” Deal said.
Deal also said that during the periods of deadlines for the Tatler, he would be up so late working that he would see the arrival of the morning paper at his door.
Although he was involved with the Tatler, looking back, he wishes he had been involved in the pep band that played during basketball games. Even though he was a business administration major, he had experience playing the trumpet from his time in his high school band.
One of Deal’s most memorable times as a student was when a group of friends jumped into the fountain in front of Tillman.
“We didn’t realize all of the employees in Tillman were watching us,” Deal said. “As we headed back to the dorm, security stopped us, and we told them we had just got out of the pool. Security responded by saying, ‘Not according to the folks in Tillman.’”
A few other events that were memorable for Deal while he was a student at Winthrop were getting to see Doc Severinsen, Bob Hope and Jimmy Buffett.
A fun fact that Deal shared about being a student was getting to wear blue jeans.
“I never wore a pair of blue jeans until college. I was always a khaki pants sort of guy while in high school,” Deal said.
While at Winthrop as a business administration major, Deal was still unsure what he wanted to do upon graduation. However, through networking and the help of friends, he was able to land his first job at First Palmetto Bank.
“After graduation, I was a banker for 28 years,” Deal said. “I retired from that and got my realtor license and worked in marketing for our local hospital.”
Now, Deal works on-air for the local radio station “KOOL 102.7 FM & Carolina Country Classics 98.7 FM” while also working for his church, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, where he works with live streaming, audio/visual and social media.
As an alumnus, Deal has served on the alumni board, along with serving as the president of the alumni association. Additionally, he was on the board of visitors for a few years before it was dissolved.
“My advice for college students now would be to enjoy your time in college,” Deal said. “While some times may be difficult and stressful, it is not as bad as the ‘real world’ and paying bills.”
