On the 16th day of December, 1840, the charter of the University of the City of Nauvoo, as part of the charter of the City of Nauvoo, was signed by Governor Thomas Carlin of Illinois, having previously passed both houses of the legislative assembly of the state of Illinois. Abraham Lincoln was one of the legislators who voted for the charter.

This university is being reorganized and reincorporated as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Illinois. It has been known as the "University of the City of Nauvoo", the "University of Nauvoo", but will be incorporated as 'Nauvoo University'. The University is also applying for non-profit (501c3) status from the federal government.

Joseph Smith stated that the purpose of the University of Nauvoo is to "enable us to teach our children wisdom -- to instruct them in all knowledge, and learning, in the Arts, Sciences and Learned Professions. We hope to make this institution one of the great lights of the world, and by and through it, to diffuse that kind of knowledge which will be of practical utility, and for the public good, and also for private and individual happiness." The reorganized Nauvoo University will use this prophetic pronouncement as its mission statement.

The governing body of Nauvoo University will be a Board of Trustees. This Board is being reorganized and has started a campaign to raise funds for, and solicit support of, the University. Donations of real estate, endowment funds for buildings and scholarships, and assistance in the organization and establishment of the university are needed.

Nauvoo University is not owned, operated, funded, or supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is an independent institution adhering to Latter-day Saint standards and principles. A search of the Internet a couple of years ago resulted in the following data on church-related colleges and universities. Nauvoo University will fit in the financially independent category.

We hope to have a freshmen class of 50 students here by the fall of 2009 along with 20 faculty, administrative, and staff people. We are looking for faculty and students who have a pioneering spirit and who will leave an lasting imprint on this new institution.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education has responsibility for reviewing new programs and anything we do will be with their assistance and approval( http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/AboutBHE).  The first year we may offer a one-year certificate of basic education and then evolve to a 2-year associate degree.  Our eventual goal is to be a fully accredited 4-year university.

Initially we will use existing facilities to house the students and staff, but will start a building program as soon as possible. Our initial goal is to have a men's dorm, a women's dorm, a student center with an auditorium, a classroom/office building, and a gym.

With the blessings of God, Nauvoo University will grow into the kind of institution that Joseph Smith envisioned it to be. Please join us in the creation of this new university

Qualifications

• PhD from a credible university
• Solid teaching experience as a professor
• Significant university administrative experience
• Public relations skills with the community
• Ability to attract donations and support
• Exemplary personal life
• Energetic and dynamic work ethic

Selection Committee

• Dr. Evan L. Ivie
• Dr. Susan Easton Black
• Paul Smith
• plus two others

Contact Information

You may call Nauvoo University at 217-453-2222 if you have questions, or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject: "President's Selection Committee".

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2008 to the President's Selection Committee in care of:
Dr. Evan L. Ivie, PO Box 22, Nauvoo, Illinois 62354