Rev. Kennette Lawrence Thomas - Minister of Outreach & Care

(336) 786-8324 X203 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pastor Kennette is a native of Surry County. She grew up at the foot of Pilot Mountain but has been a resident of Mount Airy since returning back to the area in 2003. After graduating from Salem College with a BA, English/Creative Writing minor in 2001, Kennette attended graduate school at Appalachian State University, receiving her MA, in English in 2003. During her time at Salem College, Kennette established a chapter of Habitat for Humanity. After receiving her call to ordained ministry, Kennette completed her seminary work at Wesley Seminary through Pfeiffer University in 2015 and served as a chaplain at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center from 2015-2016, achieving Level I chaplain certification through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education in 2016. In June 2016, Kennette was commissioned at Lake Junaluska as a provisional member to the order of Deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference. In the summer of 2019 Kennette was Ordained to Deacon in Full Connection.

Since 2003, Kennette has taught in the English and Humanities Division at Surry Community College. She has taught courses ranging from composition, developmental writing, literature, and creative writing to religion. Kennette has also served as the faculty advisor for the Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, one of the oldest and most distinguished two-year international honors societies, and as a member/officer of the Surry Community College Women’s Association. Within the community, Kennette serves as a clergy representative with YVEDDI Surry Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and on the Board of Directors for Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling.

As for hobbies and interests, Kennette loves music, especially voice and piano, and anything to do with the outdoors, such as hiking, and she has completed three marathons. Kennette is married to Jon Thomas, who also works in the English & Humanities Division at SCC, and they have a German Shepherd Dog named Bauer.