Myrtis Coltharp (1900–1993)

Foreign service nurse

What is Myrtis Coltharp (1900–1993) known for?

Myrtis May Coltharp, born on April 10, 1900 in Turnersville, Texas, was a notable American nurse, foreign service officer, and federal official. After completing high school at Gatesville High School in 1917, she went on to complete nursing training at Baylor University School of Nursing in 1921, and earned her bachelor's degree from Montezeuma College, New Mexico, in 1927. In addition to her academic training, Coltharth received American Red Cross instruction as a hygiene instructor.

In her early career, Coltharp worked as a school nurse in Utah and as a public health nurse in Mississippi. She also taught at a Texas hospital and served as a field agent and regional director for the American Red Cross before and during World War II.

Perhaps her most notable achievement was joining the United States Department of State in 1946 as the first foreign service nurse. She served as a staff nurse at various American Embassies in Belgrade, Rome, Addis Ababa, Mexico City, and Conakry from 1946 till 1961. In 1962, Coltharp climbed the ranks to become the second Director of Foreign Service Nurses at the State Department, supervising foreign service nurses worldwide. She retired from the State Department in 1963.

Coltharp's commitment to public health service made a significant contribution to the nursing field, particularly in the context of foreign services. After a life dedicated to service, she passed away in Austin, Texas on September 18, 1993, at the age of 93.

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