Fulltime Faculty
Seth San Juan, M.A. (Yaqui), 2013 – Present
Department Chair
Seth San Juan received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.A. from the University of Arizona in American Indian Studies. He is currently writing his dissertation in Ethnic Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Some of his research interests include, Federal Indian Law, Borderlands, American Indian Education and Race and Ethnicity. Email
Diana Ortiz, M.A. 2022 – Present
Diana has a B.A. in Social Studies and History, with a minor in Political Science from California State University, San Marcos, and an M.A.in American Indian Studies and Higher Education from the University of Arizona . Diana has been teaching American Indian Studies and American Studies for over 15 years. As an instructor of American Indian Studies/American Studies, I try to incorporate Native narratives, more comprehensive histories, and accurate information to enlighten and inform teaching and learning about Indigenous people and the United States historically and currently. Email
Elena Hood, Ed.D (Absentee Shawnee/Choctaw/ Luiseno), 2023 – Present
Dr. Elena Hood earned a B.A. in Native American Studies at UC Berkeley, an Ed.M. at Harvard University with a concentration in Administration, Planning and Social Policy, and an Ed.D. at UC San Diego with an emphasis on Teaching and Learning where her dissertation research examined connections between cultural identity, community engagement, and college readiness among Native American youth. Dr. Hood has worked in the field of Indian Education for over 20 years as an educator, administrator, and consultant. She is actively engaged in multiple community activities, including serving on the parent advisory committee for Title VI in her local school district, is a member of the Native American Advisory Council for the UC Office of the President, and serves on the Native American Student Advocacy Institute National Advisory Council. Her current research interests include Indian Education, NAGPRA, indigenous language preservation/revitalization, and Nation Building. Email
Emeritus/Retired:
Patricia Ann Dixon, (Luiseño) M.A. 1971 – Emeritus
Professor Dixon received a B.A. and a M.A. in American History, with minors in Religious Studies and Sociology at the University of San Diego. Beyond the M.A. she has completed course work at the University of New Mexico in law, the University of California at Riverside in American Indian Studies, and the St. Thomas Seminary, Denver, Colorado in Religious Studies. Professor Dixon has held various positions on her Pauma Tribal Council, including Tribal Chairwoman. She has executed the Department chair duties for more than twenty years. Professor Dixon is also a lecturer and consultant on tribal governments and Indian History for local schools and colleges. Research interests are California Indians, tribal law, and Indians in film. Email
Steven J. Crouthamel, M.A. 1975 – 2011 Emeritus
Mr. Crouthamel received a B.A. in Anthropology from Raymond College, University of the Pacific, a M.A.T. in Education from the University of the Pacific and a M.A. in Medical Anthropology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His research areas included Southeast Asia, California, and rural North Carolina. In addition, he did research in Nutritional and Medical Anthropology. His current research interests include ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, family history and genealogy. Email
Linda Rose Locklear, (Catabwa/Lumbee) M.S. 1974 – 2012 Emeritus
Ms. Locklear received a B.A. from San Diego State University in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. She received an M.S. at San Diego State University in Counseling and a M.A. in Sociology from the U. of California, San Diego. She is a consultant and lecturer on contemporary American Indian issues for schools and organizations. Her research area is ethnographic and documentary film on American Indians. Email
Deborah S. W. Dozier, PhD, 2001-2017 Retired
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