Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2024 graduates.
Devon Baggot knew she wanted to attend Arizona State University from a very young age.
This spring, Baggot is set to fully realize that dream — graduating with her BS in marketing with an emphasis in digital and integrated marketing communications from the W. P. Carey School of Business. She was also a student of Barrett, The Honors College, where the Human Event and Journey Stories courses became favorites of hers, helping her develop her skills as a writer and consider other perspectives in storytelling.
Driven by a profound passion for storytelling, Baggot took on the role of producer at ASU Student Life, a digital news platform created by and for students. This site is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and experiences of the Sun Devil community. Over the course of her three-year tenure as a producer, she played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of student life.
As Baggot prepares to graduate from ASU this month, she leaves with a BS in marketing, specializing in digital and integrated marketing communications, equipped to make significant contributions to the field.
Baggot credits her work with ASU Student Life as both a wonderful part and a defining aspect to her time on campus. Someone she gives special thanks to is Macy Kimpland, multimedia developer for ASU’s Educational Outreach and Student Services who oversees the ASU Student Life team and Baggot’s mentor.
“I am grateful she brought me onto the team and I have learned so much about filmmaking, producing and leadership with her guidance,” Baggot said of Kimpland. “I joined as an 18-year-old, right out of high school, and the Student Life team took me under their wing. From filming concerts and festivals to getting to work on hilarious projects with my coworkers, this job has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and become a better videographer and producer.”
ASU was always in the cards for Baggot.
“I spent my childhood going to ASU sports games, so I already had Sun Devil pride from a young age,” she said. “When researching universities in high school, I learned more about ASU’s great business and honors programs. I also visited ASU with my family and thought the campus was beautiful. When I was accepted to Barrett, I was thrilled and enrolled in the school.
“I am also very grateful for all the friends I made my first year. I arrived at ASU not knowing many people, and am leaving having made many wonderful friends. Lastly, I am so happy that I joined Take 100 Comedy, ASU's comedy film production club, a little over a year ago. I’ve been able to work alongside so many talented filmmakers and have had a blast producing and marketing several of my friends’ films.”
That said, even a journey with destiny isn’t without a few bumps in the road.
“While skiing in February 2023, I injured my right leg and spent eight months recovering in physical therapy at the SDFC,” Baggot said. Balancing classwork and recovering from an ACL tear is daunting in and of itself, but “due to surgery complications, there were a few really tough months,” she said. “With the support of my physical therapist and athletic trainer, I was able to regain my strength and return to the sport I love: running. In February 2024, I competed in my first marathon and I am training for my next one this fall. I am extremely grateful for all of the people who helped me along the way and proud of myself for overcoming these obstacles.”
From ASU Student Life to club involvement to literal blood, sweat and tears — these are the marks of someone who has given it their all.
After graduating, Baggot hopes to continue her storytelling journey as a production assistant for Voyage Pro, a video production company based in Tempe, Arizona.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: Back in high school, I was the president of our school’s film club and loved making short films with my friends. I proposed that we host a school-wide film festival and my teacher thought it was a great idea. I was in charge of advertising the festival and promoting students’ projects. Similarly with the film club, I began advertising the school’s plays and musicals with posters, playbills and social media posts. I loved filmmaking and sharing others’ art, and when I realized I could turn this into a career, I decided to pursue digital marketing at ASU.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: I would tell students to step out of their comfort zone and visit the ASU events and activities. Being an ASU videographer during my freshman year, I was assigned to film incredible events like Devilpalooza, Chinese New Year, Holi, InfernoFest, SummerFest, International Night, Homecoming, sports games, galas and so much more. Attending so many university events allowed me to experience other cultures, meet other students and really get the ideal ASU experience.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Following graduation, I am looking forward to joining Voyage Pro, a video production company based in Tempe, as a project assistant! I am extremely excited to assist with on-set productions, video editing, project planning, proposal creation and other organizational tasks.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: Every day I am thankful for the education I received throughout elementary, junior high and high school that allowed me to pursue a degree at university. I would dedicate the money toward schools and teachers in order to improve the quality of children's education and empower them to achieve their professional goals.
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