The Alumni Association at Midwestern State University commissioned Sunwatcher, which was completed in 1997. MSU Texas created the Sunwatcher Plaza and placed the sculpture in that location. At that time, the MSU Texas mascot was the Indians. Before designing the statue, artist Jack Stevens visited with several tribal leaders in Oklahoma. He wanted the statue to honor the history of the Native Americans in the Wichita Falls area, not just be a representation of a school mascot. One of the leaders from the Kiowa tribe even attended the dedication of the statue. 

This statue was meant to exemplify the progressive spirit of the university. It was presented to MSU Texas by the Alumni Association and financed through donations and brick paver sales during the 75th anniversary of MSU Texas in October of 1997.