The three objectives identified by Joseph Smith constitute the objectives of the new Nauvoo University:

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.

 The University of the City of Nauvoo was organized in 1841 with a Board of Trustees of 24 people.  We know the names of the members of the Board of Trustees and have identified six professors who taught at the University.  We have found records of some meetings of the Board of Trustees and  a number of actions and activities taken by the University including a certificate of graduation and the specification of the textbooks to be used by the various schools in Nauvoo.  In 1846 the University became dormant when the LDS left Nauvoo for the West.

 Perhaps thirty Nauvoo homes and other structures have been restored in the past 50 years to their 1840's condition.  With the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple by the LDS Church in 2002 attention is now focused on the reestablishment of the University of Nauvoo.  Over the past year or so a number of individuals have joined in the effort to reorganize the University.  The effort is independently funded and not owned or operated by the LDS Church.   However, LDS standards and ideals will be fostered at the University.