In early 2006 a group of community leaders and educators, in Moapa Valley, Nevada, organized to develop Desert Valley Academy as a liberal arts college operated on the principals of the LDS church educational programs. With the current LDS colleges, i.e. Brigham Young University, BYU Idaho, BYU Hawaii operating at capacity and with the needs of a number students not being answered, it became apparent that there is a place for another college of this nature. We are presently in the organizational and developmental stage of such a college. We will be raising approximately $75,000,000 from 2007 to 2011. With a graduated scale of growth, from a first year enrollment of 100 the school will grow to a minimum of 500 students by the year 2011. The school will reach a maximum enrollment of 1600 students when fully matured.

In July 2006, a post-secondary school was established as a non-profit corporation within the corporate laws of the State of Nevada. In compliance with the laws of the State of Nevada, the school was designated Desert Valley Academy (DVA).  Upon completing the licensing process, the school’s name will be changed to Desert Valley College. The Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. At the earliest possible date The Desert Valley College will begin the process of accreditation with the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

In July of 2006 Mr. Vee Wilson, a highly respected educator in the State of Nevada (see the management section), left for Buena Vista, Virginia to serve as the assistant provost of Southern Virginia University. SVU was established in 1996 by a number of LDS businessmen with a mission similar to that of Desert Valley Academy. SVU will serve as model for Desert Valley Academy. While at SVU Mr. Wilson will acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the administrative team of Desert Valley Academy.

The DVA Board of Directors will begin a fundraising campaign seeking the financial support of like-minded people who are interested in developing a college of this nature. It will be important that the college acquire a minimum of 80 acres of land. Prior to opening the college will build an office complex, dorms to house 200 students, an adequate number of classrooms, a fine arts building, a library, a gym, and a student center. This will require the raising of approximately $65,000,000 before the first year of operation.

The school will open with a student body of 100 freshmen. The staff needed to provide a quality education for these students will be hired, including approximately 35 professors and an administrative staff of six.  It will also be necessary to hire appropriate support staff.

The Board of Directors is confident that through their diligent work, the financial support of generous and like-minded benefactors, and especially the blessings of God, Desert Valley Academy will grow into a full-fledged college offering service to many young people seeking a unique, high-quality education offered by an institution built on and dedicated to the high moral and ethical principles of the LDS Church.