It was founded by local ordinance n. 23, on March 15, 1966, as Regional University of Northeastern Brazil (Portuguese: Universidade Regional do Nordeste - URNe) as a local autarky.

The campus was named after the economist Edvaldo de Souza do Ó, one of the founders of the university.

In July 1966, Edvaldo do Ó was first elected vice-rector and was later rector of the Universidade Regional do Nordeste, which eventually became the UEPB, until April 10, 1969.

The campus I houses the administrative center of the University.

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