Since its establishment, Hawassa University is being led by a President and two Vice Presidents with different job specifications in the two wings of universities in Ethiopia, the Academic and Administration.

The President of the university is the head of the university. The two Vice presidents are :

• Vice President for Academic and Research Affairs (VPAAR)
• Vice President for Administration and Development (VPAD)

The VPAAR is responsible for coordinating and controlling the academic and research activities of the university. The VPAD is responsible for the overall administrative activities of the university.