Wilson Hall proudly congratulates Dr. James DuRant ’99 and Dr. Tina Crabbe Kennelly ’01, recipients of the 2026 Wilson Hall Distinguished Alumni Award. Among more than 3,200 graduates who have carried the Wilson Hall experience with them into communities and careers around the world, James and Tina stand as exceptional examples of achievement, leadership, and service. Their distinguished careers in medicine and their commitment to making a positive impact reflect the values instilled at Wilson Hall, and we are proud of all they have accomplished and the way they represent their alma mater.
James, Regional Medical Director and founder of Novant Health Center for Pediatric Development, is triple board certified in pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and clinical informatics.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his pediatrics residency at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and a fellowship in developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina.
James led the vision, development, and growth of Novant Health’s Center for Pediatric Development and its interdisciplinary NICU Follow-Up Clinic, transforming a single-provider practice into a multi-site neurodevelopmental program serving children across multiple states. Under his leadership, the center has integrated a broad range of specialties and therapies to provide coordinated, whole-child care. He also led workflow redesign and e-consult initiatives that reduced wait times for developmental-behavioral pediatric evaluations from approximately 12 months to one month, a model later presented at national and international meetings.
In addition, he has developed academic and community partnerships with institutions including Duke University and UNC at Chapel Hill to strengthen education, workforce development, and training opportunities for future healthcare professionals.
Recognized for his leadership in healthcare innovation and advocacy, James was selected for Doximity’s inaugural Telehealth Fellowship and has continued to serve in advisory roles, including on the Doximity Medical Advisory Board. He was also selected to represent Doximity during Investor Day activities at the New York Stock Exchange.
His public service includes advisory work involving North Carolina Medicaid policy and advocacy in the South Carolina legislature to expand access to ABA therapy services in public schools.
James and his wife, Courtney, have two children, Jack and Jordan, and live in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tina is a board-certified internal medicine physician and accomplished medical leader who serves as Medical Director, Director of Primary Care, and Director of Research for Tryon Medical Partners in Charlotte, North Carolina. As Medical Director, Tina provides physician leadership for the independent medical practice, which includes nine locations and approximately 120 physicians and advanced practice clinicians. She oversees clinical operations, physician engagement, quality initiatives, and strategic growth while working with executive leadership to strengthen patient access, operational efficiency, and quality outcomes.
In her role as Director of Primary Care, Tina leads strategy and operations across Tryon Medical Partners’ nine locations, developing initiatives focused on physician workflow, scheduling, access, value-based care, and clinical quality improvement. She also serves on the organization’s Clinical Governance Board, helping guide clinical policy, patient safety, quality improvement, and organizational strategy. As Director of Research, Tina oversees the clinical research program while maintaining an active internal medicine practice. She serves as Principal Investigator for five to six active multicenter Phase II-IV clinical trials and has participated in more than 60 industry-sponsored multicenter clinical trials.
Tina earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Clemson University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she also served as Chief Resident. Her numerous professional honors include recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Charlotte Magazine Top Doctor, and Business North Carolina Top Doctor, as well as Javara Investigator of the Year. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and holds memberships in the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, and American Medical Women’s Association.
Tina and her husband, Brian, live in Charlotte with their children: Connor, Maggie, Lucy, and Mary.