Michael Lobel

Lobel is the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus for the Haslam College of Business Department of Accounting and Information Management.

Accounting & Information Management - Alumni

Michael Lobel believes in the importance of education. After graduating from UT’s Haslam College of Business in 1971 with a degree in accounting, he began a successful career in auditing and taxation. This led to his current philanthropic work, much of which focuses on education. 

“You need the skills that you learn in college to diversify yourself,” Lobel says. “Schools do more than educate. They provide social and cultural experiences, as well as a place for faculty to research and teach.”

Recently, Lobel was named the 2021 Distinguished Alumnus for the Haslam College of Business Department of Accounting and Information Management, celebrating his achievements in accounting and charitable work.

Among these accomplishments are five years spent at a Big Eight firm and running a successful boutique firm for many years.

A native of Long Island, New York, Lobel started his career in New York with KPMG before joining the New York City accounting firm of Shapiro, Taxon & Kopell, where he focused on auditing and taxation and ultimately became a partner. 

In 1990, Lobel and his mentor, Aaron Shapiro, formed Shapiro Lobel, a firm specializing in business management for entertainers and taxation of high-net-worth individuals. There, he was a co-managing partner and headed the firm’s tax department. In 2013, the partnership merged into what is now Schulman Lobel LLP.

Now partner emeritus, Lobel devotes time to creating opportunities for others through a variety of philanthropic efforts. He uses his background in auditing to aid many charities. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of The American Friends of the Hebrew University, where he is chairperson of the audit committee and a member of the Board of Governors of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is also a member of the Board of Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, where he serves on the finance committee. 

Lobel is also trustee of the Knaster Charitable Trust, which named a classroom in the Haslam Business Building and provided an endowment supporting the BAP Enrichment Experience, allowing Haslam accounting students the opportunity to visit various businesses in New York City. 

“It’s been a privilege to give back to UT,” says Lobel. “We’re lucky enough to have the wherewithal to be able to give and help create educational opportunities for current and future students.”

Lobel and his wife, Tina (UT, Mathematics, ’70), retired to Palm Beach County, Florida, in 2017. They continue to be generous contributors to many charitable organizations, including educational institutions, social justice organizations, food banks, the arts and charities providing COVID-19 aid.