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Kevin Roden is a familiar name and face around Denton, Texas. Since moving to Denton in 1992 to attend the University of North Texas Jazz Studies program, Roden has become a fixture in the city. He serves as District 1 representative on the Denton City Council, works as the Assistant Director of Student Life at UNT’s Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science and is the founder and host of Denton’s Drink and Think, a discussion forum surrounding current events, philosophy and intellectual engagement. Roden also curates ThinkDenton.com, a site that keeps residents informed about all things Denton.
Hailing from Canton, Ohio, Roden quickly noticed that Texas was much different. It didn’t take long for Roden to begin noticing the potential in Denton and to develop that same pride in his new home.
“Denton has all the ingredients that you want in a cultural center. The intellectual, musical and arts scene, it’s all here,” Roden said.
It’s that attitude that has led Roden to become an advocate for Denton’s growth, its music scene and the overall betterment of the city.
Russ Stukel, UNT TAMS Director of Student Life, works closely with Roden daily and can testify to his dedication to each of his endeavors, Denton and its residents.
“Kevin is sincere, and there is no doubt to his commitment for wanting to improve everything around him,” Stukel said. “I think that is why folks are naturally drawn to him – he wants the best for them, and he backs up his desire for this utopia through his generosity, community spirit and willingness to help.”
Roden is always open to new ideas and happenings in Denton, as well as turning possibly blind eyes to the city. Roden said 35 Denton is contributing to its growing notoriety.
“35 Denton is trying to make a world-class festival, and we have all the ingredients, all packaged in a small town. It’s really helped to raise the Denton flag,” Roden said. “The festival obviously had a level of success before but it’s great to see where it is now. We have world-renowned artists talking about Denton.”
John Juardo, who was the talent liaison for Roden’s Drink and Think discussion during 2011’s 35 Conferette, said Roden viewed the festival as a great addition to the city but wanted to be certain that residents felt the same.
“The first thing I noticed was that he was very informed, and very involved in trying to get people to participate in the discussion. It seemed as if he had a genuine and deep interest in the community,” Juardo said.
A growing trend in Denton is its bike culture. Roden has always been an advocate for alternative forms of transportation in the city and Denton County, not just for the benefit for college students or “Lance Armstrong types,” but for anyone who might want the option of biking to work or school in place of driving.
Roden works to engage his city through various means, including the use of social media to communicate with citizens, business owners and anyone with a question or concern they’d like brought to his attention. A glance at his Twitter feed demonstrates his outreach, including ongoing discussions about bike culture with Bike Denton.
Howard Draper, owner of the biking news and advocacy blog, recognizes Roden’s impact as he can often be seen riding his own bike around town, his ability to get people of all ages involved in city happenings as well as his genuine and fun-loving personality.
“Kevin has gotten so many people fired up and involved in civic stuff. People will show up to fight against stuff they hate, but Kevin’s big accomplishment is getting people to show up and fight for something they love,” Draper says. “Kevin is a diplomat for the heart of the music scene. He’s the city council person you’ll see at shows in the J&J’s Basement, at Rubber Gloves, at Dan’s Silverleaf, at 35 Denton.”
It’s obvious that Roden is a very approachable member of city government and really, just a regular guy. Don’t be surprised if you’re standing next to him during any given band’s set during 35 Denton – he’ll be the guy having just as much fun as you are.