Graduated with a B.A. in Drama from Temple University in 1954. In 1968, he began his career as a Professor of Theatre at the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa. During his time at the Department of Theatre and Dance, Cannon directed more than 50 productions. He served as a representative to the university's Professional Assembly and was instrumental in starting the Academy for Creative Media on the Manoa campus. In 2002, he was named co-director of the Cinematic and Digital Arts Program (the other co-director is former head of Columbia/Tristar Pictures,
Chris Lee). The "Glenn Cannon Fund" was established after his death by UH.