The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced the continuation of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) by MSAN through 2027. This collaboration, which began in 2025, offers free, virtual training programs designed to equip military spouses with leadership skills, resilience, and mental health awareness. The initiative underscores MSAN's commitment to strengthening military families through education, empowerment, and support.
Two specialized courses will run for their second cohorts, focusing on mental health wellness and ethical leadership. Developed by faculty from the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families, the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, and the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership, the courses are delivered in partnership with the university's Office of Digital Learning. The design of these online offerings reflects a collaborative effort involving 10 university departments, spearheaded by Notre Dame Research with support from the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza College of Business, and other units.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership, stating, "Their continued investment in our military spouse community and the return of this transformative training reflect a shared commitment to empowering military spouses with the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to create lasting change." She highlighted that the programs aim to prepare military spouses to serve as stronger leaders, mentors, and advocates.
Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning at Notre Dame, noted, "It is deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners." Since the flagship Leadership Development Program's inception in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated, representing all service branches, including veteran and retiree spouses, as well as Gold Star and surviving spouses. These graduates have become active volunteers and advocates in their communities.
The Ethical Leadership course covers topics such as conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. The mental health course series aims to dispel myths, identify risks common in military communities, and develop skills for promoting wellness. Both programs are exclusive to LIMS alumni, providing advanced training to those already engaged in leadership roles.
The MSAN-Notre Dame partnership is a multidisciplinary campus project, involving faculty and staff from 10 organizations at the university. This extensive collaboration ensures the courses are not only informative but also tailored to the unique challenges faced by military spouses. The continued partnership reflects a shared dedication to empowering military spouses, with the ultimate goal of fostering resilient and flourishing communities.
