Political science professor earns United States citizenship

In August of 2022, Ana Alves Shippey, associate professor of political science, earned her United States citizenship after a decade and a half learning and teaching in the U.S. 

Shippey moved to the United States to begin her graduate work at the University of Virginia in 2007. Near the end of her studies, Shippey began to search for jobs in the United States, and with the approval of her Optional Practical Training visa, a year long visa extension of student visa given to students working in their field of study,  Shippey began her work at Lee University. 

By December of 2015, Shippey received her green card and five years later, she applied for citizenship. After a two year approval process, Shippey became a dual-citizen of Brazil and the United States. 

“In the ceremony, you just show up with your papers, they ask you to dress up, because it's a solemn moment . . . Then, everyone, when you're ready, repeats the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and you get a little certificate that says that you are now a citizen,” Shippey said of the finale of the citizenship process. 

Shippey’s journey to her citizenship was quicker than most, but she spent many hours preparing for her test, interview, and ceremony. 

“You study for the civics test in which you answer questions, basic questions about the American government in history, a little bit of geography. It is not particularly difficult. But I did study a lot. Because, just imagine: Professor of American government failed civics test. That would not have been good,” said Shippey. 

Her students and husband helped her study and prepare for the exam and her intimidating interviews. 

“I was a wreck with my nerves,” said Shippey. “[It was] something that is just so life-determining . . . and the fact that they were so kind and thoughtful, that was encouraging . . . It was a lovely experience in that sense.” 

Now, Shippey can participate in the system of politics she teaches in her American government class. 

“As a Christian, of course, we care for the flourishing of our communities. But now, as someone who is a citizen, I can vote. That's the first thing I did: register to vote. But it really, I think, just [strengthens] the commitment, but also the responsibility that I have,” said Shippey. 

She anchors her philosophy in scripture: “If you're gonna hold a set of a particular set of political beliefs, and I want you to be able to clearly articulate the reason of your faith . . . [1 Peter 3:15] says, we should be able to articulate the reason of our faith and explain with all kinds of respect, And that's what I want my students to do to explain with all kindness and respect: why you believe what you believe.” 

Shippey exemplifies her commitment to teaching and mentoring through her involvement with Pi Sigma Alpha, Lee University’s political science honor society. The chapter has a history of excellence with seven best chapter awards in nine years, including their most recent award for the 2021-2022 school year. 

In addition to the club’s success, Shippey was named Pi Sigma Alpha’s best chapter advisor. 

“At a school like Lee, one of the best things you can do is connect with your professors,” said Randy Wood, chair of the Department of History and Political Science. “And having organizations and clubs within majors is an immediate connection.”

“Best chapter means a welcoming culture where people can come to have fun, grow, sometimes cry, and experience this life together. It is a place where real lasting friendship is made,” said Bowen Kramer, sophomore political science major and Pi Sigma Alpha Secretary. 

Shippey’s experience as a dual-citizen and, now, as an award-winning advisor strengthens her influence inside and outside of the classroom. 

“Her expertise is of course, political science, but it's specifically in foreign affairs. And she is able to bring in all of her classes, this expertise of understanding the world in its broad complexity, right, that the world is a big place,” Wood said concerning her teaching perspectives. “And as a Brazilian and an American, now, with citizenship, The excitement level she has had just the last few weeks about that status, I think is really connected to her teaching.”

Shippey is also a wife and mother of two daughters, and her American citizenship has given her family a new sense of identity. 

“I mean, that's something else that I share with my children, and that we can share and enjoy together. . . And now, we also share that we are also we share this, this identity as well,” said Shippey. “For me, it's important, first and foremost, for Christians it is the Lord. But [national citizenships] are also aspects of one's identity that when properly subjected to the headship of Christ,  Jesus can also be something beautiful.”

Shippey’s American citizenship reinforces her identity and encourages her love for her home in the United States. 

“I think it's a beautiful thing to have process that allows the people who come here who get know this country, who get to love this country, to allow them to be able to stay, and to be a citizen, to be able to take their responsibilities for a community that they already have a love for . . . I am very thankful for that.”