Notable Entrepreneurs that Graduated from SUU
Posted: December 17, 2025 | Author: Nick Marinoff | Read Time: 3 minutes
With the rise of AI, the job market has become difficult in recent years for young college graduates to contend with. Yet, this challenging environment has also amplified a shared ambition: a burning desire to solve real-world problems affecting people on a regular basis. This drive is why many students become entrepreneurs. They recognize the troubles others face and think up ways to solve them, creating businesses that can provide solutions to ongoing and current issues.
We don't have to look far to see this drive in action; our own University has become a launchpad for these compassionate, solution-driven entrepreneurs who are changing the game.
Noah Evans – Builder of a Textbook Buyback System at SUU
You don’t need to be out of school to become an entrepreneur. Sometimes, a college campus is the perfect setting to get your new venture up and rolling. Noah Evans, a senior at SUU, created a new textbook buyback system for his fellow students to benefit from. The idea for Evans’ venture sparked when his girlfriend received an unacceptably low sum for a textbook she tried to sell. To solve this common financial strain, Evans designed his business to provide a crucial alternative, ensuring students receive significantly fairer prices in the book buyback process.
Samantha Amor – Founder of Simply Amor
Originally from a small town in Nevada, Amor took business classes at SUU and applied what she learned to establish a wedding photography firm that now sees her boasting more than 11,000 followers on Instagram. Brides frequently fly her across the west coast to document their big days, while her preferred status in Utah, where she still lives, has only expanded since graduating. Armor’s work has been featured in magazines and industry publications.
Tawny Hammond – Owner of Discovery Cruises
Before attending SUU to obtain her master’s in interdisciplinary studies (MIS), Tawny Hammond began her own seafaring company in Discovery Cruises, which offers patrons grand and clear views of Michigan’s great lakes system. She’s also the owner of two large boats, one that houses 18 passengers, the other almost 150.
Leeon Jeffs – Co-Founder of Simplicity Laser
After graduating from SUU with a degree in marketing, Leeon Jeffs started a company called Simplicity Laser. Designed to grant customers easier access to laser hair removal, the enterprise’s early years were rough, as Jeffs and his many business partners were unable to accept payment for their work and often reverted all money back into the company. Now, after nearly 10 years in business, Simplicity has seen several additional locations open, and things are looking brighter (and smoother) than ever.
Scott Chapman – Founder of Goofball! Mobile Games/REAL Difference Project
Sometimes, a business idea can stem from a simple pastime, and Scott Chapman is a prime example. An avid gamer, Scott started his game design business as part of his school project at SUU. However, the project grew to new heights as Scott has developed three unique mobile games under the Goofball! brand, all of which are available through the Apple Store. While you can still get Goofball! games, Chapman continues his entrepreneurial journey in real estate. His brokerage works to solve some challenges for struggling families and properties with a fresh new approach through the REAL Difference Project.
Ian & Olivia Small – Co-Founders of Dippers
Everyone’s got a sweet tooth, and Ian Small and Oliva Small tapped into that while attending their first years at SUU. The brother/sister team are co-founders of a sweet treat shop called Dippers, which has become popular for its frozen banana snacks served on sticks. After initially selling their products at farmers markets and sporting events, the duo leased a small, vacant store in Cedar City, and customers keep coming back for more.
How SUU Can Help
Southern Utah University offers online undergraduate and graduate business degrees that will give students the tools they need to carve out entrepreneurial paths for themselves. Courses involve accounting, finance, human resources, and other topics that can ensure participants learn what’s necessary to not only start a business but keep it afloat. Learn more about SUU’s many online degree programs or speak with an advisor today.
Tags: Entrepreneurship Business Alumni Academic
