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The University of Tennessee

College of Business Administration

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Michael Strickland - 2009 Distinguished Alumnus

Paul CastagnaMichael Strickland is founder and owner of Bandit Lites, renowned as the “Rolls Royce of entertainment lighting.”  Widely regarded as one of America’s best companies, Bandit Lites has received dozens of national and international lighting-industry awards, and countless accolades for business and civic leadership and being an outstanding employer.  The company serves the world’s most famous music and performance artists from its offices in Nashville, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

Strickland started Bandit Lites in 1968 at the age of 12 in his hometown of Kingsport, Tennessee.  He moved the company to Knoxville in 1973 when he attended UT’s College of Business Administration to earn his bachelor’s degree in general business. He remained in Knoxville after graduation to direct the company’s  global expansion, which now employs 500 people worldwide.  Named CNN USA Today Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999, Strickland has founded several non-profit and for-profit organizations in the area of entertainment and has numerous lighting patents and inventions to his credit. 
                                                            
Strickland currently commits the majority of his time to philanthropic and civic endeavors, with an uncommon zeal for giving back to his community. At UT, he generously gives of his time, both in the classroom and as chair of the College of Business Administration’s Campaign Leadership Team.  “I wouldn’t be where I am today but for the education I received at UT,” says Strickland. “It is where I developed the principles, foundations, knowledge, and habits that have helped me be successful in the workplace.”