Megan C. Buie

About Megan C. Buie

With a robust foundation in finance and a strategic vision for the future of research administration, my journey has led to a pivotal role as Assistant Vice President at Rice University. Here, I orchestrate the complex symphony of research regulation and cost accounting, ensuring precision and compliance in an increasingly dynamic federal landscape.As federal agencies modernize oversight frameworks and research compliance requirements evolve from updated Uniform Guidance to emerging policies changes cost of research, I\'m positioning our institution to stay ahead of regulatory shifts while maintaining operational excellence. My work bridges traditional financial stewardship with forward-looking strategies that anticipate rather than react to change.I\'m particularly focused on how artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are transforming research administration. From leveraging AI-powered analytics for cost allocation and compliance monitoring to exploring automation in grant management workflows, I\'m committed to harnessing innovation to enhance accuracy, reduce administrative burden, and free our researchers to focus on groundbreaking work. These technological advancements aren\'t just tools they\'re opportunities to reimagine how we support the research enterprise.My expertise was honed at a State University System and then as Controller of large Health Care System, where I embraced collaboration to forge team unity and drive efficiency across complex organizations. These experiences taught me that the most effective solutions emerge when finance, compliance, and technology converge with a human-centered approach.Today, I navigate the multifaceted challenges of higher education research administration with innovative solutions, whether addressing heightened scrutiny of costs, adapting to AI governance frameworks, or implementing advanced data analytics platforms. Through it all, I maintain an unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and empowering teams to achieve what once seemed impossible.

Experience

1. Assistant Vice President

   Rice University

   Feb 2024 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   AVP Research and Cost Accounting

Education

• Wayland Baptist University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Accounting and Finance

  2012

• Southern New Hampshire University

  Master of Science - MS, Accounting

• Texas Tech University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, English Language and Literature

  2005 — 2009