"The University of the City of Nauvoo will 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."
" " ---Joseph Smith (Jan. 15th, 1841 Times and Seasons vol. 2, p. 274)

The Nauvoo University of today has adopted the same mission statement as the original University. Joseph Smith's three objectives for the University of Nauvoo were:

1. "Practical utility": Every college student should be employable and able to take his or her place in society upon graduation. The first goal of Nauvoo University is to assist each student in obtaining the education needed to be a productive member of society.
2. "The public good": Each student will be trained in the need for, and joy that comes through, service. The Nauvoo University will consider that they have achieved this second university objective if graduates engage in service for the rest of their lives.
3. "Private and individual happiness" Joseph Smith taught that, “the glory of God is intelligence” (D&C 93:36), and that “we are saved no faster than we gain intelligence”. Individual happiness and joy comes when we understand the world around us, who we are, who God is, and what the purpose of life is. The third goal of Nauvoo University will be to provide a liberal arts education with emphasis on studying not only the world classics, letters, arts, sciences, but also religion and philosophy.

We plan to achieve this objective through the following steps:

1. Develop an academic program designed to meet the traditional liberal arts curriculum, providing a quality undergraduate education in letters, arts and science within the setting of a wholesome LDS environment. To provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued. In addition to providing a strong general education,
2. Nauvoo University will offer instruction in special fields of the students' choice. The college cannot provide programs in all possible areas of professional or vocational work however, it will excel in those areas provided. Nauvoo University will produce graduates capable of competing with the best in their fields.
3. Produce a campus culture designed to help students think clearly, communicate effectively, understand important ideas in their own cultural tradition as well as that of others, and establish clear standards of intellectual integrity inherent in the ethical and moral standards of the LDS church.
4. To recruit student, faculty and staff committed to being academically or professionally accomplished, spiritually rooted, service oriented, and self-reliant.
5. To create a Gospel-centered campus where Christian principles are practiced and honored.