Jimma University is governed by a Board of Governors, which is tasked with overseeing the university’s operations and strategic direction. This board consists of members appointed by the Ministry of Education and plays a vital role in the governance of the institution. Below is a list of the chairs who have led the Board of Governors at different times throughout the university’s history.
All Board Leaders of Jimma University since 2000.
| No. | Full Name | Position / Role | Tenure Period (Gregorian) |
| 1 | Dr. Teklehaymanot Haileselassie | 2000 – 2003 | |
| 2 | Mr. Abadula Gemeda | Ministry of Defense | Nov 23, 2004 – Dec 06, 2005 |
| 3 | Mr. Kuma Demeksa | Ministry of Defense | Dec 07, 2005 – Oct 10, 2009 |
| 4 | Mr. Muktar Kedir | Mayor of Jimma City | Oct 11, 2009 – Feb 12, 2017 |
| 5 | Dr. Abiy Ahmed | Oromia Regional State Urban and Housing Development Bureau Head | Feb 13, 2017 – Sept 10, 2018 |
| 6 | Dr. Amir Aman | Minister of Health | Sept 11, 2018 – Mar 06, 2021 |
| 7 | Dr. Bikila Hurisa Wolde | Oromia Public Service | Mar 07, 2021 – Mar 08, 2021 |
| 8 | Ms. Muferiat Kamil | Minister of Peace | Mar 08, 2021 – May 05, 2021 |
| 9 | Dr. Bikila Hurisa Wolde | Coordinator of Democratic System Building Center | From May 06, 2021 |
| 10 | Dr. Dereje Duguma | State Minister of Health | Apr 21, 2021 – Apr 08, 2022 |
| 11 | Dr. Lia Tadesse | Minister of Health | Apr 09, 2022 – Feb 22, 2024 |
| 12 | Dr. Mekdes Daba Feisa | Minister of Health | Feb 23, 2024 – Nov 12, 2024 |
| 13 | Dr. Hanna Arayaselassie | Minister of Justice | Nov 13, 2024 – Nov 26, 2024 |
| 14 | Ms. Alemtsehay Paulos | Head of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Cabinet Affairs | From Nov 27, 2024 |