Linda Richards at the Kalamazoo State Hospital

Linda Richards was the first nursing graduate in America and a major pioneer in nursing education. Moral therapy was the major treatment at the Kalamazoo Asylum and its use persisted into the early 20th century under the supervision of Richards, one of its adherents. Richards added district nursing experience in the City of Kalamazoo to the curriculum and the school was described by the Trustees as being in vigorous condition during her leadership.