Dr. Hulya Odabas

Dr. Hulya Odabas joined Study Smart Tutors as a Director of Education in 2019 and now serves as the Vice President of Education. With a background as a high school science teacher and school counselor, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in School Counseling with a PPS credential, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine.

In recognition of her exceptional work with first-generation students, Dr. Odabas was named College Counselor of the Year by the County of Orange in 2017. The College Board also recognized her exemplary contributions in 2019 through its Counselor Recognition Program. Her doctoral research focused on the retention and sense of belonging of first-generation STEM students, a topic that resonates deeply with her as a bilingual, first-generation student herself.

Dr. Odabas actively volunteers at her own children’s school and within her community. She is a regular speaker at national and local conferences, advocating for educational equity, college readiness, and fostering a sense of belonging for students through an asset-based approach.