Thomas Hailu, College Counselor
For more than 12 years, Thomas has dedicated his career to guiding students through the college admissions process, with a particular focus on making higher education accessible to those who might otherwise be overlooked. Over the years, Thomas has worked with students across a wide range of academic abilities and goals, helping them navigate everything from high school planning and college applications to financial aid and final decision-making. His students have gone on to attend institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill, NYU, Boston University, the University of Virginia, Howard University, and many others.
Thomas got his start in college guidance at the DC College Access Program, where he provided college and financial aid counseling to students in partnership with DC public and public charter schools, managing a caseload of over 250 scholars annually. He later spent three years as the College Access Director at College Track in Washington, DC, where he guided an annual caseload of more than 60 scholars through every aspect of the college process—building college lists, completing applications, securing financial aid and scholarships, and making final college selections—and also co-authored a nationally recognized college counseling curriculum.
In his most recent role as Assistant Director for Community Partnerships and Initiatives at UNC Charlotte, Thomas reviewed undergraduate applications as part of the admissions committee and monitored outcomes using data to assess the impact of partnership initiatives. He has also invested his time and energy in several community programs dedicated to improving college access, including serving as the lead male mentor for the Alpha Leadership Project and co-founding Beyond Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring students to explore alternative careers in Science, Technology, Education, the Arts, and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.).
When students or families feel overwhelmed by options, timelines, or pressure, Thomas is able to slow the process down, ask the right questions, and help them see a clear and manageable path forward. He approaches this work with both expertise and care, focusing on helping students understand who they are, what they need to succeed, and which colleges truly fit those goals. Families who work with Thomas can expect honesty, transparency, clear communication, and a counselor who is deeply invested in their students’ long-term success.
Outside of work, Thomas is passionate about sports—both watching them on television and attending games in person.
Education & Experience
Howard University, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
UNC Charlotte Undergraduate Admissions: Assistant Director, Community Partnerships and Initiatives
College Track, College Access Director
DC College Access Program, Advisor
Beyond Dreams, Program Director/Co-Founder
Tiger Woods Learning Center, Learning Facilitator
College Board Upward Bound, Tutoring Counselor
Co-taught graduate school class on college counseling with Vanderbilt University
Co-authored nationally recognized college counseling curriculum for College Track
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counselors
PCACAC: Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling
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