The city has played a crucial role in UMA's founding: all aspects of the province (citizens, notable figures, and mass media) have been key drivers for the establishment of our University. It all began in 1968 with the development of the "University of Málaga's Friends Association" an organization that advocated for a University in the province by raising awareness on the issue and mobilizing citizens, which finally all led to its founding. his was soon followed further advancements in the founding process such as the development of the University College of Málaga, in 1971, and the grouping of the already existing Technical Engineering College, Teacher Training College, School of Economics and Business (then attached to the University of Granada), and the Seminary. Finally, in August 18th of 1972, the founding of the University of Málaga was approved by decree. The School of Economics and Business and the School of Medicine would be the first to be part of the institution we know today as the University of Málaga.