In 1919 the University of British Columbia instituted the first-degree course in nursing in the British Empire. The original aim of the program was "to provide a liberal education for the student nurse and equip her to meet all professional demands, especially those in the Public Health field and for executive posts." Ethel Johns was selected for the dual role of coordinator of the University program and Director of Nursing at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1924 the Departments of Nursing and Public Health were merged to form the Department of Nursing and Health in the Faculty of Applied Science. Mabel Gray was appointed department head the following year, succeeded by Evelyn Mallory in 1944. In 1951 the program was reorganized as the School of Nursing, with Evelyn Mallory as Director. From its beginnings, the School has evolved and expanded. For example, in 1991, it offered baccalaureate programs leading to the BSN for high-school graduates and registered nurses, a master's program leading to the MSN, and non-credit courses in continuing nursing education. Since 1951, the School's Directors have been Evelyn Mallory (1951-67), Elizabeth McCann (1967-71), Muriel Uprichard (1971-76), MarilynWillman (1977-93), Katharyn May (1994-2000), and Sally Thorne (2002-10).