People
Center Staff
Seth Mallios
Director
AL-472
[email protected]
Dr. Seth Mallios is the Kit and Karen Sickels Endowed Chair in University Heritage and Community Engagement at San Diego State University (SDSU). He is also Professor of Anthropology, University History Curator, Director of the South Coastal Information Center, and Director of the Center for University Heritage and Community Engagement at SDSU. Dr. Mallios received his BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and his PhD from the University of Virginia. An archaeologist, anthropologist, and historian, Professor Mallios engages in scientific and humanistic community-based research that offers insights into past and present issues of identity, memory, and myth-making. He directs multiple local field projects (including The Nathan Harrison Historical Archaeology Project, The Whaley House Historical Archaeology Project, and The San Diego County Gravestone Project), has published 18 books and dozens of articles, garnered over $2 million in over 100 external grants, contracts, and awards, and curated many public anthropological, archaeological, and historical exhibits.
Shannon Farnsworth
Coordinator and Head Researcher
[email protected]
Shannon Farnsworth is a historian and historical archaeologist passionate about uncovering and sharing the stories of San Diego’s past. As Coordinator and Head Researcher at San Diego State University’s Center for University Heritage and Community Engagement, she leads collaborative research and engagement efforts that highlight SDSU’s historical legacy. Over the past seven years, Shannon has worked extensively on the Nathan “Nate” Harrison Historical Archaeology Project, serving in roles from student excavator to site supervisor. Her current research explores how historical murals can—and should—be studied as archaeological artifacts. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and History and an M.A. in Anthropology, both from SDSU.
Founding Partners
Even though the SDSU Center for University Heritage and Community Engagement was founded in 2025, there are a handful of individuals who were instrumental in making the center a reality through years of support in the early 2000s. These key figures are our Founding Partners, and we are deeply grateful for the formative roles they have played in this endeavor.
Kit & Karen Sickels
Kit, a San Diego State campus-lab elementary-school student in the 1940s, an SDSC graduate in 1960, and lifelong supporter of SDSU, has championed the idea of this center from the start; a strong case be made that no one has a longer and more meaningful relationship to San Diego State than Kit Sickels. Kit and Karen's support of local history, archaeology, art, and education is astounding, inspirational, and deeply embedded in kindness.
Stephen & Susan Weber
Steve, San Diego State's seventh president (1996-2011), was undeterred in his efforts to help SDSU reconnect with its history and traditions in an effort to build community, goodwill, and joy. Susan was equally tenacious in her quest to build bridges with the local community through education, art, and other creative endeavors.
Sally Roush
Sally served in senior administrative positions at SDSU for more than 30 years under three presidents before becoming the university's interim president in 2017-18. She created SDSU's University History Curator position and was steadfast in her support of institutional heritage.
Henry Janssen
Henry boasted over six decades of service to San Diego State, was unwavering in his dedication to SDSU, and had the distinction of inviting JFK to speak at State in 1963, co-founding the Honor's Council in 1989, overseeing the 1997 centennial lighting of the "S" on Cowles Mountain, and so much more.
Harold (Hal) K. Brown
Hal was a San Diego civil rights icon, a relentless advocate for equality, and San Diego State's first Black administrator. He co-founded San Diego's Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), established San Diego State's Afro-American Studies Program (today's Department of Africana Studies), and developed the Center for Community Economic Development. Hal was a friend, mentor, and inspiration for our Center for University Heritage and Community Engagement.
Research Associates
- Jamie Bastide
- Kevin Ashley
Collaborative Partner Organizations
- SDSU Alumni Association
- Special Collections & University Archives
- Student Affairs and Campus Diversity
- SDSU Military and Veterans Program
- Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center
- South Coastal Information Center
- SDSU Anthropology Department
- Center for Inclusive Excellence
- San Diego History Center
- KPBS
- Equal Justice Initiative
Ways to Give
Our history is more than the past; it is the living foundation of our communities. Please join us in supporting SDSU’s cultural and historical legacies. Your gift protects our history, funds cultural preservation, and ensures that these stories inspire future generations.
Stay Connected
Email: [email protected]
Top banner image: Seth Mallios, Christopher "Kit" Sickels, and Chris Lindmark catch up during SDSU's 125th Anniversary event.
