About
Executive Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs & CFO
Michael Mueller, M.B.A., serves as the Executive Vice President for Finance and Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). He assumed this role in the fall of 2022 after joining the university in 2019 as the Senior Associate Vice President for Finance.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, Michael reports directly to the President and provides strategic leadership in financial planning, business operations, and institutional resource management. He is responsible for shaping fiscal strategy and operational priorities, ensuring alignment with UTRGV’s mission and long-term objectives. His oversight includes finance and business operations, facilities and real estate development, auxiliary services, procurement, public safety, information security, and technology. Additionally, he serves as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders, equipping them with financial insights that strengthen the university’s fiscal position and sustainability.
Michael plays a vital role in UTRGV’s financial stewardship by developing and executing strategies for budgetary balance, capital investment, cost management, and endowment growth. He leads the university’s 10-year strategic financial planning efforts, fostering a culture of long-term financial sustainability and institutional resilience. His work ensures that key decision-makers remain focused on strategic goals while optimizing resource allocations to support UTRGV’s academic, healthcare, research, student success, and operational excellence.
Since joining UTRGV, Michael has been instrumental in spearheading a transformative $700 million capital improvement plan. Under his leadership, the university has made strategic investments in infrastructure expansion, enhancing facilities for academics, healthcare, and athletics. His vision has driven the construction of state-of-the-art learning environments, research centers, medical facilities, and athletic complexes—ensuring that UTRGV’s physical campus aligns with its commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and a vibrant campus experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Prior to his tenure at UTRGV, Michael built a distinguished career in higher education finance and public sector financial management. He began as an internal auditor for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, conducting regulatory and financial audits before transitioning to the Texas Legislative Budget Board as a lead analyst for higher education. In this capacity, he played a key role in developing budget recommendations for nine health-related institutions, including Baylor College of Medicine, for the Texas Legislature.
Following the 79th Legislative Session, Michael joined the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) as Budget Director, where he was instrumental in change management and financial strategy. While earning his Executive MBA from Texas Christian University, he was promoted to Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration and later served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance and Administration.
After seven years at UNTHSC, Michael transitioned to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock as Assistant Vice President for Financial Planning & Administration. In this role, he oversaw financial and capital planning for regional campuses in Amarillo, Midland/Odessa, and Abilene, ensuring operational and financial alignment across the university system. He also served as a strategic advisor to the Executive Vice President and CFO, advancing the institution’s financial and operational objectives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Michael finds his greatest joy in spending time with his daughters, Avery and Alexa. Whether traveling to new destinations or creating cherished family memories, he values every moment shared with them.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sam Houston State University and a Master’s degree from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business Executive MBA Program. He is also a member of the NACUBO Fellows Program, further demonstrating his commitment to leadership and excellence in higher education finance.
Division of Finance and Business Affairs Organizational Chart