Michael Strickland, a 1977 graduate of the University of Tennessee’s College of Business Administration, is a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader in event lighting. As the founder of Bandit Lites, the world’s oldest and one of the largest event lighting companies, he has provided lighting for top artists and major global events. His business philosophy, “Humanomics,” prioritizes people in decision-making across his various ventures. Recognized with numerous awards, including the CNN/USA Today Entrepreneur of the Year and the Visionary Lifetime Achievement Award, Strickland has left a lasting impact on the live entertainment industry. Beyond his professional success, he is a dedicated philanthropist and serves on multiple UT boards, contributing both financially and through in-kind support to university initiatives and community organizations.
