Associated Press

Billy Cannaday will join the University of Virginia in October.

RICHMOND -- Billy Cannaday a Roanoke native, 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. Tim Kaine's office said. He will become dean of UVa'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.

"Dr. Cannaday has been central to my administration and I will miss his counsel," Kaine said in a statement. "His service to the Commonwealth has been exemplary, and I'm certain he will continue to successfully serve the people of Virginia and the University of Virginia with the same enthusiasm."

A 1968 graduate of William Fleming High School, Cannaday earned degrees from Virginia Tech and Hampton University. He still has family in Roanoke.

"He's probably the most respected state superintendent we've ever had," said Irving Jones, executive director for high schools for the Roanoke school system.

William Fleming Principal Susan Willis said Cannaday has taken an interest in his alma mater's ongoing reconstruction. "He said he would love to be a part of our opening," she said.

At UVa, 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 multiple academic centers statewide, including one in Roanoke, 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.

UVa President John Casteen 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 UVa news release.

Staff writer David Harrison contributed to this report.