The Department of Nursing at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus, was established in 1964 following the proposal of Doctor Josefina Torres-Torres, graduated of Columbia University - Teachers College. The proposal had the endorsement of Dr. Mildred Montag, Dr. Alice Rines and Dr. Walter Sindlenger. The idea for the establishment of an Associate Degree in Nursing Program was accepted by the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus conditioned by the agreement of developing a Baccalaureate in Science of Nursing Program. The baccalaureate program started in 1966. Monies to establish both programs were combined funds from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus, The Department of Health of Puerto Rico and federal funding from the Nurse Training Act of the United States Congress and signed into law on September 6, 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the beginning of the Vietnam War.
