Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors Vice Rector Sandra Davis Passes—What’s Next for the University?

Sandra Davis, a distinguished advocate for higher education and a cherished member of the Virginia Tech community, passed away on March 17 at the age of 79. Her remarkable contributions to the university were recognized through numerous accolades, including being named an honorary alumna in 2007 and receiving the prestigious William H. Ruffner Medal in 2015, now known as the Ut Prosim Medal, which stands as Virginia Tech’s highest honor.

Davis served as vice rector on the university’s Board of Visitors, a role she held with dedication, reflecting her long-standing volunteer commitment to Virginia Tech. University President Tim Sands expressed his sorrow upon learning of her passing, stating, “She was a powerful advocate for public higher education and Virginia Tech’s potential to positively impact the lives of our students and all those we serve. Her insight and leadership on the Board of Visitors advanced the university’s mission, and the depth of her service to our communities will be felt for decades to come. She will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed.”

Her advocacy reached beyond the confines of Virginia Tech, extending to several educational institutions, including Radford University, the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and New River Community College. Appointed to Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors in 2022 by then-Governor Glenn Youngkin, Davis also chaired the board's Governance and Administration Committee.

Alongside her husband, William C. “Jack” Davis, a professor emeritus in the Department of History at Virginia Tech, she was honored as the namesake of the Street and Davis Performance Hall within the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech. A celebration of her life is scheduled for April 19 at 2 p.m. at the center, a testament to her lasting legacy.

“Sandy’s leadership and generosity lifted up the value and impact of the arts across the region,” said Ruth Waalkes, the center’s executive director and associate provost for the arts. “She and Jack were two of the earliest and most ardent supporters of Virginia Tech's arts initiative, and the Center for the Arts is a shining example of her commitment to ensuring that the arts continue to inspire, educate, and connect our community. We will miss her greatly.”

Davis’ philanthropy has made significant enhancements across various programs at Virginia Tech, including support for the Center for the Arts, athletics, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, and the College of Engineering, among others. At Radford University, she honored her late husband, Patrick D. Cupp, by naming the Cupp Soccer Stadium in his memory. Together with Jack Davis, she is also a namesake of the Radford University Davis College of Business and Economics and the university's Davis Performance Hall.

Born in Radford, Davis began her journey at the age of 17 and held various roles throughout her career, beginning at the Virginia Department of Health and moving into banking. She founded BCR Real Estate and Property Management, which grew to oversee more than 600 rental properties in the New River Valley.

A prominent figure in the region’s business landscape, Davis served on the board of Go Virginia for Region 2 and the Business Council of Roanoke. Her leadership extended to chairing the boards of the Blacksburg Partnership and Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, as well as co-chairing the New River Passenger Rail Commission.

Her contributions did not go unnoticed; she was recognized as Citizen of the Year by both the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and the Blacksburg Rotary. In 2022, she was inducted into the Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Davis played a pivotal role in Virginia Tech’s first $1 billion fundraising campaign, chairing both the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund board and the Virginia Tech Foundation board.

Sandra Davis is survived by her husband, her sister Mildred Weddle, two stepchildren, and over a dozen nieces and nephews residing in states including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Oregon. She also leaves behind her loyal Welsh corgi, Cuddles. Davis’ obituary details her many accomplishments and the profound impact she had on countless lives through her advocacy and philanthropy.