| Billy K. Cannaday, Jr., Ed.D. 2007 Honoree |
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| "It's just about the kids," Billy K. Cannaday, Jr., said. Children have been a top priority during Cannaday's entire career. During a 12-year period, he served as the superintendent of two of the largest public school systems in Virginia: Chesterfield County Public Schools and Hampton Public Schools. When Cannaday led the Chesterfield County Public Schools — the first African American to do so — the school system went from less than 50 percent of its schools being fully accredited by the Commonwealth of Virginia to 100 percent of the county's comprehensive schools being fully accredited. During this period, Cannaday knew the names of each high school senior who possibly was not graduating. He personally called all of them at home to discuss a plan of action to help them earn a high school diploma. It was a historic moment in 2006 when Cannaday was appointed to a four-year term as Virginia's superintendent of public instruction by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. |
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Cannaday is the first African American to serve in this
position. As superintendent, Cannaday is the chief executive officer of the
Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the
Commonwealth's public schools. He is also secretary of the Virginia Board of
Education.
"Aim high and don't let the doubts of others cloud your vision." |
Cannaday has served his community through service on the College of William & Mary Gifted Advisory Board, Greater Richmond Community Foundation Board of Directors and University of Virginia Teacher Education Advisory Committee. His significant achievements were recognized by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents when he was named Virginia's 2005 Superintendent of the Year. Also, Cannaday has been honored twice as a regional superintendent of the year and was named the 2000 College of William & Mary Professional Educator of the Year.
A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Cannaday received a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Virginia Tech in 1972, a master's degree in educational administration from Hampton University in 1980 and a doctorate in educational administration from Virginia Tech in 1990.
Cannaday encourages students to "aim high and don't let the doubts of others cloud your vision."
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