March 4, 2026
On March 4, 2026, the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation proudly announces the inaugural Flemming Advisory Board (FAB), marking an important step forward in the center’s continued growth and national visibility.
“The Flemming Advisory Board is a select group of distinguished leaders whose experience, insight, and vision help elevate the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to national prominence,” says Dr. Michele King, director of the Flemming Center. “March fourth—a day that symbolizes momentum, initiative, and the entrepreneurial spirit of moving forward with purpose—felt like the right moment to formally begin on.”
The board comprises four inaugural members: David Arias ’84, Maurice Jones ’86, Clay Bales ’17, and Rhamel Brewer ’22.
“The Flemming Advisory Board represents exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit and principled leadership that Hampden-Sydney has always cultivated,” adds Dean of the Faculty Tim Diette. “The four inaugural members have each built careers defined by innovation, integrity, and a commitment to making a tangible difference — in business, in their communities, and in the lives of others. Their willingness to share their expertise, serve as mentors, and help us grow the Flemming Center's impact across campus is a tremendous gift to this institution.”
Dr. King notes that through direct engagement with students, mentoring, and strategic guidance, the FAB will support the Flemming Center’s efforts to expand start-up internships, funding pathways, collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities.
Having built multiple consumer products brands, Arias hopes to contribute “practical, operator-level perspective,” going on to note that “Hampden-Sydney’s greatest opportunity is its size and culture. Large universities often have resources but lack intimacy. Hampden-Sydney can move faster.”
Meet the Board
David Arias ’84 is an entrepreneur and former president and majority owner of Swimways, where he led 24 years of 12 percent annual growth and global retail expansion. After Swimways’ 2016 acquisition, he co-founded Pull Start Fire with his wife, Valerie. Pull Start Fire reflects Arias’ continued passion for practical innovation, consumer products, and bringing well-designed solutions to market.
Maurice A. Jones ’86 is vice president of news at WHRO Public Media and a nationally respected cross-sector leader. Jones previously served as deputy secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, secretary and Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia cabinet secretary, and nonprofit CEO. In each role, Jones has built institutions, expanded workforce access, and strengthened communities through his visionary leadership.
Thomas “Clay” Bales ’17 is a real estate and business development leader specializing in commercial growth and hospitality. As development director for Hoffler Land Solutions, he advances large-scale projects that drive economic opportunity. Bales’ career reflects strategic planning, relationship building, and community-centered regional development.
Rhamel Brewer ’22 is a physicist, engineer, and entrepreneur, whose work sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, applied STEM innovation, and venture creation. His company, Melectronics, produces robotics, unmanned aerial systems, automation, and custom hardware solutions. Rhamel is also deeply committed to STEM education and mentorship, creating educational and technical content to lower the barrier to entry for complex manufacturing and robotics systems.
As the Flemming Center continues to expand its programming, partnerships, and impact, the formation of the Flemming Advisory Board signals a clear commitment to marching forth, connecting liberal arts education with entrepreneurial action and preparing students to lead with initiative, integrity, and curiosity.