Dr. Cornel Pewewardy combines creativity and a musical ear to produce traditional and contemporary Indigenous music that appeals to a broad range of audience tastes. Either playing his native flute or singing Southern Plains' songs on the "big drum," his music conveys a sense of serenity, beauty, and harmony between nature and humanity. Cornel's music is a reflection of a tribal knowledge base—always learning and honing his music and finding personal peace through the creation of pleasing songs. Cornel is Comanche and Kiowa and enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation. Dr. Pewewardy is an associate professor of Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. He’s also a published author and frequent presenter on Indigenous education issues.
For more than half a century, Pewewardy’s distinguished research and scholarship have profoundly influenced public and higher education, particularly for Native American students, educators and administrators. He has challenged and expanded the understanding of Indigenous education, teacher training and tribal leadership preparation in Oklahoma and nationwide. Colleagues also praise his mentoring relationships with students and early career faculty. On November 1, 2024, Dr. Pewewardy will be inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame.