[1] The University of Nauvoo ended after the 1844 murder of Joseph Smith, when the interest of many church leaders moved toward westward migration.
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.
[3] The school drew interest from leaders and educators from the LDS community and the areas of Nauvoo, western Illinois, and southeastern Iowa.
Its governing body was a 24-member Board of Trustees:[4] The university opened in fall 2009, anticipating around students and employees as faculty, administration, and staff.
Nauvoo University expected more retired professors would to come to teach in the city and local church members would assist in its beginnings.