SALT LAKE CITY -- Two groups want to open private colleges in Nevada and Illinois aimed at students who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Supporters say the school would recruit students not accepted to the church-owned Brigham Young University in Utah, or its campuses in Idaho or Hawaii.

The proposed schools would be Nauvoo University in Nauvoo, Ill., and Desert Valley Academy in Moapa Valley, Nev.

The schools already have boards of directors, administrations and housing plans.

Representatives from each says they have spoken with top leaders in the Mormon church and were told the church at the moment isn't interested in expanding its higher education programs.