Successful local entrepreneurs Chelsea and Casey Baugh announced a $5 million donation to Utah Valley University’s Entrepreneurship Institute, which will be named in their honor, further enhancing UVU’s strong reputation as a leader in entrepreneurial education.

Both Baughs attended UVU. Chelsea Baugh, a talented leader on UVU’s women’s volleyball team from 2004 to 2007, graduated in 2007 with a degree in healthcare education. Casey Baugh found his passion in transforming startup businesses into successful enterprises.

“We are deeply grateful to Chelsea and Casey Baugh, whose lives and careers embody an entrepreneurial, problem-solving mindset,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “Their story and example will inspire our students to believe in their dreams and persevere in their efforts to succeed and serve others. The Baughs’ gift of $5 million is a resource for the institute and all the students whose experiences at the institute will help them become the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders.”

The donation will significantly enhance the Entrepreneurship Institute on many levels, like supporting the new, cutting-edge “Build-a-Business” initiatives focused on specific industries such as technology, the creative economy, and e-commerce. These for-credit courses enable students to create revenue-generating businesses in collaboration with industry experts and mentors from Utah County.

“We are thrilled to support UVU in continuing to create opportunities for students to build and grow businesses that can shape the future,” said Chelsea Baugh. “Being a UVU alum makes giving back to my alma mater even more meaningful. This gift is an investment in innovation, education, and the entrepreneurial spirit. We hope it inspires students to pursue their ideas fearlessly, to take risks, follow their passions, and become leaders in Utah’s thriving startup community and beyond.”

Additionally, the funding will strengthen UVU’s partnership with Sandbox, a university-focused incubator, providing essential resources and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs launching tech and software companies. It will also facilitate investments in the latest technology and tools, increase seed funding for student ventures, and expand mentoring opportunities.

“Chelsea and I have always believed in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives, and UVU played a key role in our journey,” said Casey Baugh. “We’re proud to contribute to a university that continues to push boundaries and foster innovation. We are passionate about giving back and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Together, we hope to create lasting opportunities for students to turn their ideas into successful ventures.”

UVU underscored its commitment to the Entrepreneurship Institute in January 2024 when it hired Seth Jenson, Ph.D., a renowned expert in entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems. Jenson joined UVU from the University of Oxford, where he lectured and conducted research.

UVU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent was recently highlighted by 2024 rankings from Switch On Business Reports, which named UVU the number-one university in the nation for graduates who create local startups. Impressively, 80% of UVU alums who have founded businesses continue to operate them locally in Utah.

Chelsea Baugh is a dedicated community leader and philanthropist, driving positive change through charitable events and the Baugh Family Foundation, which supports underserved populations. She also helps manage the iHub fund, investing in young entrepreneurs. Currently enrolled in Brigham Young University's Executive MBA program, she is enhancing her leadership skills to strengthen her impact in both business and community initiatives. She and Casey Baugh are the parents of five children.

Casey Baugh spent 13 years as a senior executive at Vivint and co-founded Roots Management Group, the fifth-largest manufactured housing investment and operating platform in the United States. He teaches entrepreneurship classes at the university level; manages Sandlot Partners, a private equity firm; and hosts a podcast.

For more information about the UVU Entrepreneurship Institute and its programs, visit https://www.uvu.edu/woodbury/entrepreneurship/.