Elaine Davis and her late husband, Donald, were two of the original founders of Southern Virginia University. They were involved with the National Advisory Council to the BYU Marriott School of Management, where Elaine served as chair of NAC spouses, and was instrumental in establishing the Single Parent Scholarship Fund. She and Donald served a mission to BYU Athletics and was also a member of the BYU Emeriti Alumni Board for five years. Elaine received her degree from BYU in history with a political science minor.