Chelsea and Casey Baugh, successful local entrepreneurs and alumni of Utah Valley University (UVU), recently made a generous donation of $5 million to the university’s Entrepreneurship Institute. This significant contribution will not only be used to enhance the institute but also to inspire and support the next generation of creators, innovators, and leaders in the field of entrepreneurship.
Both Chelsea and Casey Baugh have strong ties to UVU. Chelsea, a former standout athlete on the women’s volleyball team, graduated in 2007 with a degree in healthcare education. Casey, on the other hand, found his passion in transforming startup businesses into successful enterprises. Their shared entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to giving back to their alma mater have led them to make this substantial donation.
UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez expressed deep gratitude to the Baughs, stating that their gift will serve as a valuable resource for the institute and its students. The donation will support new initiatives such as the “Build-a-Business” program, which focuses on specific industries like technology, the creative economy, and e-commerce. These for-credit courses allow students to collaborate with industry experts and mentors from Utah County to create revenue-generating businesses.
Chelsea Baugh emphasized the importance of supporting UVU in creating opportunities for students to build and grow businesses that can shape the future. As a UVU alum, she finds giving back to her alma mater particularly meaningful and sees this donation as an investment in innovation, education, and the entrepreneurial spirit. The Baughs hope that their gift will inspire students to pursue their ideas fearlessly, take risks, follow their passions, and become leaders in Utah’s thriving startup community.
In addition to supporting the Entrepreneurship Institute, the donation will strengthen UVU’s partnership with Sandbox, a university-focused incubator that provides resources and mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech and software industries. It will also enable investments in the latest technology, increase seed funding for student ventures, and expand mentoring opportunities for students.
Casey Baugh, who has a background in senior executive roles and entrepreneurship, believes in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives. He and Chelsea are passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and creating lasting opportunities for students to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Their commitment to giving back and fostering innovation aligns with UVU’s mission to push boundaries and foster entrepreneurial talent.
UVU’s dedication to entrepreneurship was further highlighted by recent rankings that named the university as the number-one institution in the nation for graduates who create local startups. The university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent is evident in its hiring of Seth Jenson, Ph.D., a renowned expert in entrepreneurial strategy and innovation ecosystems, to lead the Entrepreneurship Institute.
Chelsea Baugh, in addition to her philanthropic efforts, is currently enrolled in Brigham Young University’s Executive MBA program to enhance her leadership skills and strengthen her impact in both business and community initiatives. Casey Baugh, with his extensive experience in executive roles and entrepreneurship, teaches entrepreneurship classes at the university level, manages a private equity firm, and hosts a podcast.
The Baughs’ donation to UVU’s Entrepreneurship Institute is a testament to their belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to drive positive change and create opportunities for future generations. Their generosity will leave a lasting impact on the institute, its students, and the entrepreneurial community in Utah and beyond. To learn more about the UVU Entrepreneurship Institute and its programs, visit their website at https://www.uvu.edu/woodbury/entrepreneurship/.
