State superintendent to leave for UVa post

By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON Associated Press Writer
Published: July 18, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Billy Cannaday Jr. plans to resign from his post as the state’s Superintendent of Public Instruction to become a dean at the University of Virginia.
  Cannaday’s resignation is effective Sept. 30, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s office said. He will become dean of U.Va.‘s School of Continuing and Professional Studies on Oct. 1.
  Kaine is expected to name a replacement soon, spokesman Gordon Hickey said.
  Cannaday was on vacation and unavailable for comment, said Julie Grimes, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Education.
  Kaine appointed Cannaday, 58, as superintendent in April 2006. He was superintendent for Chesterfield County schools from 2000 to 2006 and superintendent of Hampton schools from 1994 to 2000. He was Hampton’s director of secondary education and assistant for instruction from 1986 to 1994.
  As superintendent, Cannaday has driven key educational initiatives, including expanding access to pre-kindergarten education and raising the status of career and technical education, according to Kaine’s office.
  At U.Va., Cannaday succeeds Sondra Stallard, who became president of Strayer University in 2007, and interim Dean Lynda Phillips-Madson.
  The School of Continuing and Professional Studies has seven academic centers statewide for adult students, who can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates for professional advancement and professional relicensure. The school also works with businesses, local school divisions and government agencies.
  U.Va. President John T. Casteen III said that Cannaday will focus on three key areas: improving digital instruction, including distance learning programs; reaching potential students, employers, government agencies and others; and extending the school’s offerings to international users.
  ``Success in the 21st century will demand a competitive skill set and the ability to reinvent oneself by being a lifelong learner,‘’ Cannaday said in a U.Va. news release.