In pursuance of the recommendations of Knowledge Commission, Krishna University has been established vide Andhra Pradesh Act.No.4 off 1991, G.O’ Ms. No.89 Higher Education (U.E.II) dated 25/06/2008 and G.O Ms. No.109, Higher Education (U.E.II) department dated 14/07/2008, with the state government’s initiative at Machilipatnam, as head quarters of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. On 23/04/08, Honble Chief Minister Dr.Y Rajasekhar Reddy has laid the foundation stone for the University. A High power committee constituted by the Govt. of A.P has visited Machilipatnam  on  16/04/2008 and  identified 200 Acers  of land  at Tavisapudi village, 8 Kilometers from Machilipatnam town towards Manginapudi beach.

 Prof: M K Durga Prasad, Professor in Zoology and Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarguna University was appointed as first Vice Chancellor of Krishna University, Machiliaptnam, vide G.O Ms. No.137 dated 28/07/2008 and took charge as Vice Chancellor on the fore noon of 28/07/2008. Dr. Y Kishore Director of Physical Education, Acharya Nagarjuna University was appointed as first Registrar of Krishna University and took charge on 23/08/2008.

Krishna University is named after mighty river Krishna. Krishna River, also called Krishnaveni is one of the longest rivers of India (about 1300 Kms in length). It originates from Mahabaleshwar in Maharasthra in the west and meets the Bay of Bengal at Hamsaladeevi, in Divi seema in Krishna district, in Andhra Pradesh, in East coast. The delta of the river is one of the most fertile regions in India and was the home to ancient Sathavahana and Ikshvaku kings. Vijayawada is the largest city on the river Krishna.