The origin of Jember University came from the idea of Dr. R. Achmad together with R. Th. Soengedi and R. M. Soerachman who dream of establishing a university in Jember. To realize these ideals, on April 1 1957, the three of them formed a committee called the Triumviraat Committee with the chairmanship of Dr. R. Achmad; Author R. Th. Soengedi, and Treasurer R. M. Soerachman. Furthermore, the Triumviraat Committee on October 5 1957 formed a foundation with the name Tawang Alun University Foundation (ratified by Notarial Deed dated March 8 1958 Number 13 in Jember). The Tawang Alun University Foundation later founded a private university in Jember with the name Tawang Alun University, which was later abbreviated as UNITA.
During their journey, the three figures received the full support of the Regent of Jember at that time, R.Soedjarwo. Based on PTIP Ministerial Decree No. 151 of 1964 dated 9 November 1964, concerning the establishment of the State University in Jember. Tireless efforts since 1957 finally succeeded in becoming a reality, and Djember State University was established! At its inception in 1964, Djember State University, abbreviated as UNED, had five faculties, consisting of the Faculty of Law in Jember, with its branch in Banyuwangi, the Faculty of Social and Political Affairs, and the Faculty of Agriculture in Jember, the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Letters in Banyuwangi. The first rector was held by Dr. R. Achmad. Leadership Dr. R. Achmad continued by Lt. Col. R. Winoto (1966-1967), Lt. Col. Soedi Harjohoedojo (1967-1969), Lt. Col.
Soetardjo, SH (1969-1978) and Col. Drs. H. R. Warsito (1978-1986).
When it was founded in 1964, Jember University had five faculties, consisting of the Faculty of Law in Jember, with its branch in Banyuwangi, the Faculty of Social and Political Affairs and the Faculty of Agriculture in Jember, then the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Letters in Banyuwangi. After more than 50 years of providing higher-level education, Jember University now has 15 faculties that provide Diploma and Bachelor level education programs, as well as Postgraduate programs that oversee more than 100 study programs.
Only since 1986, the chancellor of Jember University has been held by its academic community, namely Prof. Dr.
Simanhadi Widyaprakosa (1986-1995), Prof. Dr. Kabul Santoso, MS (1995-2003), Dr. Ir. T. Sutikto, MSc (2003-
2011), Drs. Moh. Hasan, MSc Ph.D. (2012-2020) and Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna, M.Eng. (2020 to present)