The Distinguished Alum Award
Leadership casts a long shadow. That observation certainly holds true for each of our recipients of the College of Business Administration’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. They are extraordinary business executives who have personified leadership and have become role models for future generations. Through their vision, intellect, passion for excellence, and boldness of spirit, these individuals have led many companies to greatness and have touched countless lives.
Our distinguished alumni share two common characteristics of which we are extremely proud and profoundly grateful: each is an alumnus of the University of Tennessee College of Business Administration and each has generously given back to the college in a multitude of ways. We applaud them for their achievements and their contributions.
Michael Strickland - 2009 Distinguished Alum
Michael 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.”
Distinguished Alumni Profiles
2009: Michael Strickland
2008: Paul Castagna
2007: Not Awarded
2006: S. Herbert Rhea
2005: Charles C. Anderson, Jr.
2004: James A. Haslam, II
2003: John W. Fisher
2002: Edward J. Boling
2001: Joe M. Weller
2000: William Middlemas
1999: David E. McKinney
1998: David L. Ramsey III
1997: King W. & Judy P. Rogers III
1996: Ardle L. Viles
1995: Jane Salter
1994: William B. Stokely III
1993: Wilma H. Jordan
1992: Dennis R. Hendrix
1991: James F. Smith, Jr.
1983-1990: None Awarded
1982: John Bolinger
