The college opened in 1977, as the first osteopathic medical school in the state of New York, offering the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). The college was established through the efforts of Dr. W. Kenneth Riland, New York State Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and members of Rockefeller family. The college was granted accreditation by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), and was chartered under New York State law through the efforts of Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller. In 1978, Nelson Rockefeller contributed $250,000 to the college's general endowment fund and in 1979 Laurance Rockefeller contributed the same amount. The friendship between Nelson Rockefeller and W. Kenneth Riland was an important factor in the founding of the medical college. Dr. Riland served as Mr. Rockefeller’s personal physician during his governorship of New York as well during his vice-presidency in the Ford administration. To honor the efforts and contributions of Governor Rockefeller, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Academic Center was dedicated in 1979.