The Texas A&M Foundation has announced that Michele Mobley ’87, partner at the Austin-based law firm Dubois, Bryant & Campbell, joined its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2022. Mobley, who resides in Austin, earned dual bachelor’s degrees in physics and philosophy from Texas A&M University in 1987 and her J.D. degree, with honors, from Duke University in 1990.
“This is an opportunity for me to not only have an impact on Texas A&M University but also ensure the Foundation is moving forward in its mission to build a brighter future for the university, one relationship at a time, and meeting its donors’ needs,” Mobley said. “Over the past 30 years of practicing law, I’ve been fortunate to work with families committed to various charitable goals, particularly supporting higher education. I look forward to bringing that experience to the board.”
Mobley grew up in College Station, graduating from A&M Consolidated High School before enrolling at Texas A&M on a President’s Endowed Scholarship. Her father, the late Dr. William Hodges Mobley, served as a faculty member at the university, eventually serving as dean of Mays Business School, president of the university and chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.
Her involvement in the Memorial Student Center (MSC)—including her work as chair of the fledgling MSC Wiley Lecture Series—earned her the Buck Weirus Spirit Award as an undergraduate, recognizing students who create positive experiences throughout the Aggie community.
A group trip to Boston sponsored by influential former student J. Wayne Stark ’39 inspired Mobley to branch out and pursue a legal career. During her time at Duke University, she became a member of the Duke Law Journal and was elected to the Order of the Coif, an honorary scholastic society for excellent American law school graduates. Post-graduation, she gained experience at law firms in Houston and Rochester, New York, before settling in Austin in 1995. She has been with DuBois, Bryant & Campbell since 2003.
Tyson Voelkel ’96, president of the Texas A&M Foundation, said, “Ms. Mobley’s legal experience, incredible Aggie heritage and enthusiasm for serving Texas A&M University make her an ideal trustee of this incredible organization as we aspire to be among the most trusted philanthropies in higher education.”
Mobley practices in the area of estate planning, working with clients on such varied subjects as wills drafting, estate tax, trust administration, charitable planning and, pertinently, advising nonprofits. Her peers have selected her as one of the Best Lawyers in America and as a Texas Super Lawyer in estate planning and probate. Before being appointed to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mobley served on The Association of Former Students’ Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016. She believes the Foundation has provided a new opportunity to follow in her parents’ footsteps.
“My father was heavily involved with the Foundation during his time at Texas A&M, so for me to be involved in its evolution 40 years later is terrific,” Mobley said. “And though my mother [Jayne Mobley ’85] never had an official role at the university, she was very engaged when my dad was president, and she was similarly committed to higher education, especially helping the School of Education and Human Development. We’ve all worked to maintain the university and see it thrive.”
Mobley replaces outgoing trustee Otway B. Denny Jr. ’71, who served on the board from 2015 to 2022. Her seven-year appointment also coincides with the start of William “Billy” Lemmons Jr.’s term as Foundation board chair. Lemmons, a Class of 1983 graduate and the founder and managing partner of EnCap Flatrock Midstream, joined the Foundation’s board in 2018. He assumes board leadership from Louis “Lou” Paletta II ’78.
Originally published here by The Texas A&M Foundation.