Cougar Village Spotlight

Every Cougar Has a Village. Every Village Has a Story.

The Cougar Parent and Family Engagement Center (CPFEC) believes student success is strengthened by the people who encourage, support, and uplift students throughout their educational journey.

The Cougar Village Spotlight celebrates the people and stories that make up our Cougar community—from student parents balancing education and family responsibilities to the families, caregivers, chosen family, mentors, friends, and supporters who stand alongside UH students throughout their college journey.

Through this monthly recognition, CPFEC celebrates the resilience of student parents and the meaningful role families and supporters play in helping Cougars thrive at the University of Houston.

Every Cougar Has a Village

Student success does not happen in isolation, and every Cougar's village looks different.

For some students, their village includes parents, grandparents, siblings, partners, mentors, friends, caregivers, and chosen family who provide encouragement, guidance, and support.

For student parents, their story may include pursuing their educational goals while raising a family and balancing the many responsibilities that come with both roles.

Every village looks different, and every village matters.

Who Can Be Recognized?

The Cougar Village Spotlight recognizes two groups:

Student Parents
UH students who are raising or caring for children while pursuing their educational goals. This spotlight celebrates their resilience, dedication, and commitment to both their education and family.

Families & Supporters
Parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings, partners, caregivers, chosen family, mentors, friends, and others who make a meaningful difference in a UH student's journey.

If they are part of a Cougar's village, we want to celebrate their story.

Monthly Spotlight & Recognition

Each month, CPFEC selects honorees in two categories:

Student Parent Spotlight
Family & Supporter Spotlight

Selected honorees will receive a plaque and may be featured through the CPFEC website, Cougar Family Connect, social media, and other University of Houston platforms with appropriate consent.

Nomination & Selection Timeline

Nominations Open: First two weeks of each month
Review & Selection: Third week of each month
Notification: By the third Friday of each month
Spotlight Recognition: First week of the following month

Nominations are welcomed from students and members of the University of Houston community.

Meet Our Cougar Village

Explore previous Cougar Village Spotlight honorees and celebrate the student parents, families, and supporters who demonstrate the many ways a village can make a difference in a Cougar's journey.