Two new Executive-in-Residence bring their industry expertise to the classroom. Monte Dobson, retired senior leader at ExxonMobil, is the Mitchell Family Endowed Executive-in-Residency in Energy, and Michael Browning, founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands, will integrate his extensive franchising experience.
August 28, 2025
By Shelby Northrup
Content Creator, Neeley Communications
This fall, the TCU Neeley School of Business introduces two new executives-in- residence - Michael Browning, founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands, and Monte Dobson, retired senior leader at ExxonMobil. Business school students will have the opportunity to learn from executives who have made a notable impact in their respective industries and are now interested in sharing their expertise with students. Both Browning and Dobson bring decades of knowledge and experience to their classroom, as well as a passion for shaping a new generation of leaders at Neeley.
Since the program’s inception in 2021, the Neeley endowed executives-in-residence program has expanded to include executives across multiple industries, including sales, energy, technology, entrepreneurship and entertainment. They serve as adjunct faculty who teach courses and offer mentorship to students, sharing insights from their careers. The program combines academics with real-world experience, strengthening Neeley’s strong network of professionals and resources beyond campus.
Monte Dobson:
Monte Dobson recently completed a 31-year career with ExxonMobil, where he worked as a leader for their activities in India, including serving in a pioneering role in the liquified natural gas (LNG) market and leveraging the expansion of the global business.
Dobson has firsthand experience with emerging governments and economies that prioritize energy security, affordability, and emissions. Dobson also served as the senior vice president of ExxonMobil-affiliate XTO Energy, where he led a talented team to build an oil portfolio with more than $10 billion transactions, and formed technology teams that developed innovative solutions to make unconventional oil and gas more affordable and cleaner.
In his free time, he enjoys an active lifestyle as an avid runner. Dobson has completed more than 15 marathons, including two Boston marathons.
Dobson will use his time as an executive-in-residence to mentor students on energy, technology, and leadership in global markets.
Michael Browning:
Michael Browning is the CEO and Founder of Unleashed Brands, which focuses on childcare development through youth-focused franchises including Snapology, The Little Gym, Premier Martial Arts, Class 101, and XP league. In 2011, Browning launched Urban Air Adventure Park, which transformed into the world’s leading family indoor adventure park, serving more than 20 million children annually.
Browning has been named a rising star in the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 under 40” list in 2021, as well as being ranked No. 1 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for four years running and placed on the Franchise Times Top 200+ list.
Browning is known for turning traditional models upside down to create engaging, scalable businesses. At Neeley, he will share lessons in entrepreneurship, franchising, growth strategy, and innovation with students who aim to launch their own ventures.
Last year, Browning supported two Neeley School students who opened a Jimmy John’s franchise restaurant near TCU’s campus. Those students graduated in May and continue to operate their franchise restaurant on University Drive.
Preparing Leaders for What’s Next
The addition of Browning and Dobson adds to Neeley’s list of executives-in-residence, further enhancing Neeley’s mission to prepare students for impactful careers through the intersection of academics and industry.
