BRCC Foundation Announces Four New Board Members

Darius Bonton, Norisha Kirts Glover, Michelle Hardy and Jerell Thomas Will Serve Terms Beginning in 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 16, 2025

Darius Bonton
Darius Bonton
Norisha Kirts Glover
Norisha Kirts Glover
Michelle Hardy
Michelle Hardy
Jerell Thomas
Jerell Thomas

The Baton Rouge Community College Foundation (BRCCF) is excited to announce the additions of Darius Bonton, Norisha Kirts Glover, Michelle Hardy and Jerell Thomas as members of its Board of Directors beginning in 2025.

Each new board member will bring a strong record of leadership, innovation and community engagement that will strengthen the Foundation’s impact throughout the Baton Rouge region.

“The diverse expertise and commitment of our new Foundation Board members will significantly enhance our efforts to support the college's mission,” BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith Sr. said. “We are excited to engage them and incorporate their leadership skills and insights to further support our students and increase our overall donations to the college.”

Bonton is President and Chief Executive Officer of Bonton Associates, a leading environmental engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Baton Rouge. With expertise in water resources, environmental compliance and infrastructure planning, Bonton has more than two decades of industry experience and leadership. Bonton will serve a three-year term ending Aug. 1, 2028.
 
Glover is the Founder and President of NRK Construction, a woman- and minority-owned construction firm headquartered in Baton Rouge. Her background is in education reform, fundraising and project management. Glover will serve a three-year term ending Aug. 1, 2028.
 
Hardy serves as Vice President at Turner Industries in Baton Rouge where she leads public affairs, community engagement and strategic planning initiatives. Known for her passion in team building and project leadership, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening Turner’s partnership with the local community and supporting nonprofit impact. Hardy will serve a four-year term ending Aug. 1, 2029.
 
Thomas is President of Window World of Baton Rouge, overseeing operations across several major markets including Louisiana, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Tampa. A graduate of the Business Report Leadership Academy as well as Southern University, Thomas will serve a four-year term ending Aug. 1, 2029.

“We are excited to welcome these wonderful professionals to the Foundation Board to help increase our partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations that will have a lasting impact on our students and the college,” BRCC Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Executive Director of the BRCC Foundation Dr. Pilar Blanco-Eble said. “Their collective experience will be invaluable in guiding our strategic initiatives and expanding our outreach.”

About The BRCC Foundation

The BRCC Foundation is dedicated to supporting Baton Rouge Community College in its mission to be the preferred provider of talent for a global marketplace. The Foundation assists in making dreams come true by providing direct financial support for students and programs at BRCC. Each year, the Foundation proudly awards scholarships to deserving students, supports faculty development, and leads initiatives to enhance technology at BRCC sites.
 
Learn more about the BRCCF board members at https://brccf.org/board.php.