In 1861, Dr. Manly Miles, a graduate of Rush Medical College, was the head of the Agriculture Division at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University). He treated students on campus and was joined in 1863 by Dr. R. C. Kedzie of the Chemistry Department and a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School.

In 1892, the college hospital was located in a rented farm house, ½ mile east of campus. The house was initially staffed by untrained staff. Dr. James H. Wellings was appointed as the college doctor. When needed, there were isolation rooms in the Veterinary Laboratory and Abbot Hall that were used.

In January 1893, the Board of Agriculture authorized the tentative plan to select a college physician. To fund this and the hospital, students were accessed a $0.10 per week fee. By June, this fee was abandoned. Later in September, plans were submitted for building a hospital (where the MSU Union now sits). In 1895, the college completed construction of a seven-room hospital at a cost of $3,500. This was initially managed by non-medical staff residing there but, in 1900, nurse Rowena Ketchum was hired to run the hospital. In 1908, thanks to the efforts of Dr. C. E. Marshall of the Department of Bacteriology and Hygiene, the Board of Agriculture approved the erection of four one-story hospital cottages to serve as isolation wards. They were built behind the Bacteriology Building. When needed, an old boiler house building was also used as isolation wards. Prior to 1920, the Department of Bacteriology assumed the role of health protector on campus. They were often assisted by East Lansing Health Officer, Dr. Bruegel.

Dr. Clyde Reynolds was appointed the first College Physician in 1916. In 1919, Dr. Bruegel was named the Medical Superintendent and the general care of the hospital was assigned to Dr. Ward Giltner, Head of the Department of Bacteriology and Hygiene.

At their August 20, 1920 meeting, the Board of Agriculture established the Student Health Service under the Athletic Department with an initial budget of $1,000. Dr. Clyde Reynolds was appointed the first Director of Health Service. At this time, students were accessed a fee of $1.50 per term. Students were given unlimited health service treatment which included up to 60 days of hospital service. New students were required to complete a medical examination and attend a series of health lectures. The department was initially housed in the gymnasium with offices and four dispensaries. In 1924, the hospital moved to Abbot Hall as a temporary measure due to the demolition of the old hospital for the construction of the Student Union. The Health Service remained at the gymnasium.

In 1925, the old President’s Home (Faculty Row #1) was remodeled into a hospital. The facility was able to hold 50 patients and also had space for the health service.

In 1939, the Olin Health Center was built in part through the use of funds from the Public Works Authority (PWA). The building architect was Ralph H. Calder.

Dr. Alexander Borland became the second director and was followed by Dr. Richard M. Olin in 1925. He remained director until his death in 1939. The Directors following Dr. Olin have been Dr. Charles F. Holland, Dr. Ralph H. Ruhmorff (acting), Dr. C. G. Menzies, Dr. James S. Feurig, Dr. Sidney Katz (acting), Dr. John D. Siddall, Dr. William Duff, Dr. David Bell (acting), Dr. Dennis M. Jurczak, and Dr. Glynda Moorer.