Cowan Watts Inducted into Seminole High School Alumni Hall of Fam

By Staff, Cherokee411.com

SEMINOLE, Okla. — Seminole High School has announced the induction of Dr. Cara Cowan Watts, Class of 1992 valedictorian, into the Seminole High School (SHS) Alumni Hall of Fame.

Cowan Watts distinguished herself early as a National Honor Society member, Johnson O’Malley student, and co-founder of the SHS Conservation Club. She was involved in Math Club, Science Club, and Indian Club, while excelling in both academics and music. A French horn and trumpet player, she performed with the SHS concert and marching bands, earning All-District Honor Band honors in 8th grade. As a senior, she added tennis and track to her activities.

She was also a leader on SHS’s debate team, contributing to five consecutive state championship titles from 1988 to 1992. She won the 1990 championship with Laura Seay, placed runner-up in 1991 with Marcus Pearson, and finished third in 1992 with Danny Edney.

After graduating, Cowan Watts earned a Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State University (OSU), specializing in culturally significant water quality standards for the Cherokee Nation. She is now CEO of Tulsa Pier Drilling, a Native and woman-owned construction company, and has established herself as a national leader in advancing Native representation in STEM fields.

She served 12 years on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council and led initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and STEM development. She founded multiple American Indian Science and Engineering Society chapters, healped launch the Cherokee Nation Science and Engineering Fair, lead the re-launch of the physical National American Indian and Science Engineering Fair (NAISEF), and supports STEM summer camps for Native youth.

In addition to her business and STEM leadership, Cowan Watts co-founded Cherokee411.com, an alternative private media company serving citizens of the Cherokee Nation, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians wherever they live. The platform highlights the successes and diverse lives of Cherokee people nationwide.

Her achievements have been recognized nationally, including the 2025 Greenwood Women’s Business Center Innovator of the Year, induction into the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Hall of Fame in 2023, the 2020 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Ely S. Parker Award, and Journal Record honors as one of the Top 50 Oklahoma Women Making a Difference.

“Seminole shaped who I am and gave me the foundation to succeed,” Cowan Watts said. “I am proud to be a Chieftain and grateful to give back through mentorship and service.”

She expressed gratitude to her parents, Beverly and Clarence “Curly” Cowan, her brother Dr. Brett Cowan, her husband and business partner Doug Watts, and Karen and Ken Green, bonus parents, for their continued support. She also thanked her Cherokee cousin and fellow SHS graduate, John Walthour of Houston, TX, for nominating her for the Hall of Fame.

The Alumni Hall of Fame honors Seminole graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and service.