Kevan Frazier for Asheville City Council
Kevan Frazier strives to be one of the nicest, kindest, and most helpful people you’ll ever meet. That’s just how his parents raised him, and it suits him. Kevan is also collaborative and effective. He works in South Asheville and lives downtown. Kevan connects with people throughout our community, region, and state through his work in education and community and economic development. Kevan’s combination of personality, ethics, experience, and dependability will serve us well on Asheville City Council.
A Close-Knit Family
Kevan was born in Asheville and raised in Candler. His parents Donna and Nelson Frazier both worked for the telephone company Southern Bell. Donna was a telephone operator. Nelson was a lineman and later a manager. They raised him to always be kind and respectful of others, and to find ways to help others. Kevan pursued a career in education because through education people can discover themselves, learn about what interests them, and make meaningful contributions to the world.
For work, Kevan is the Executive Director for Western Carolina University’s Programs in Asheville located at Biltmore Park. He loves helping establish and expand educational offerings that enable people to pursue their dreams. Kevan is also deeply involved in Community Development and Economic Development, with a focus on bringing high-paying jobs to Asheville. Prior to WCU, Kevan was a member of the History faculty and an administrator at UNC Asheville. One of Kevan’s favorite jobs was running the University’s freshman orientation program—working directly with incoming students. Kevan graduated from UNC Asheville, Kent State in Ohio, and West Virginia University. He earned a PhD in History with a double focus on American History and Pre-Colonial African History. Kevan’s dissertation was on Urban Appalachia.
A Lifelong Volunteer
Kevan is a lifelong volunteer. For many years now, Kevan has mentored emerging leaders and helped them hone their skills so they can better serve our community. He’s done that as an instructor for Leadership Asheville and Leadership Asheville Seniors.
Kevan is a Freemason–yes, the ancient secret society–and he has volunteered at our local Asheville Masonic Temple on Broadway. Serving on the board, he made decisions that helped save the building from sale and helped restore it. Now, you can catch live music and other performances there.
Kevan has also volunteered in service to orphaned children and children separated from their families. The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford focuses on providing residential group care for children and adolescents, and supports reunification with birth families, re-socialization and behavioral changes, preparation for adult living, academic remediation, and preparation for adoption–whatever each child needs.
Founder of Asheville by Foot and Well Played Board Game Café
Kevan is also an entrepreneur. Because he loves history and loves his hometown, Kevan founded Asheville by Foot. This local walking tour company that’s been in operation for more than a decade. Kevan’s desire to create a safe, welcoming space for everyone spurred his decision to open Well Played Board Game Café. He’s proud that Well Played is a hangout for locals and visitors alike. People of all ages gather and put down their screens while they socialize, make new friends, and challenge one another in friendly competitions.
Kevan gives dozens of talks on Asheville history each year, and published a book in 2014 on Asheville history called Legendary Locals of Asheville. He’s also presented multiple times at Creative Mornings, at Tedx UNC Asheville, as well as on C-SPAN.
Ready to join Kevan and build a community in which all neighbors feel heard, seen, and served by our City Council?
Get in touch with Kevan via email at Connect @ Kevin4avl.com. Kevan and his volunteers look forward to hearing from you!
