Mary Jo Watson

Director: School of Art
Associate Dean: College of Fine Arts
Associate Professor: Art History

Office: 218 FJC
405-325-4033
mjwatson@ou.edu

Dr. Watson has earned three degrees from the University of Oklahoma, including her B.F.A. in Art History, her M.L.S. in Seminole Aesthetics and Art Forms, and her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary-Native American Art History. Dr. Watson developed the Native American Art History program at the University of Oklahoma, which now includes seven classes. She currently serves as the Director of the School of Art at the University of Oklahoma. In addition, she serves as Curator of Native American Art for the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, curating a variety of exhibitions, including topics on Inuit Art, Oklahoma Indian Art and the Kiowa artists. Dr. Watson has also served as the Director of the Center of the American Indian and as a curator, juror, and a lecturer for numerous art exhibits throughout the state of Oklahoma and national traveling exhibitions. Additionally, Professor Watson participates as a faculty member within various other departments at the University of Oklahoma, including the Native American Studies program, the Women's Studies program, the College of Liberal Studies and the International Studies program. Dr. Watson has received numerous awards, including the School of Art Students’ Choice Award, the College of Liberal Studies Kenneth E. Crooks Faculty Award, The University of Oklahoma Regent's Award for Superior Teaching, The College of Fine Arts Outstanding Faculty Award, the Oklahoma Governor's Art Award and the Marilyn Douglas Memorial Award from the State Arts Council. She received a second State Arts Council Award for Contributions in the field of American Indian Art and was also an Inductee into the Seminole States College Hall of Fame for Outstanding Alumni, where she has served as an instructor in the past. Dr. Watson's research interests include the development of theory and aesthetic understanding of Native American art. She promotes understanding of ancient and contemporary work of the Native artists of the Americas.