The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced the continuation of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for its Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) programs through 2026 and 2027. This collaboration underscores a commitment to empowering military spouses with advanced training in mental health wellness and ethical leadership, reinforcing the importance of these skills in fostering resilient military families.
MSAN, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening military families, launched the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses in 2025. The institute offers free, virtual training programs designed to equip military spouses with leadership skills. The renewed partnership with Notre Dame will bring a second cohort of two specialized programs: one focused on building resilience and mental health, and the other on ethical leadership for professional development. These courses, 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, are exclusively available to LIMS alumni.
The significance of this announcement lies in its potential to create a lasting impact on the military spouse community. By providing accessible, high-quality education, MSAN and Notre Dame are not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering a network of skilled leaders who can influence positive change within their communities. The mental health course series aims to dispel myths, identify risks, and promote wellness, which is crucial given the unique stressors faced by military families. The ethical leadership course covers conflict management, voicing values, and empathetic decision-making, skills that are essential for effective community leadership.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm: "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." Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning at Notre Dame, added that it is "deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners."
Since 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from the flagship Leadership Development Program, representing all branches of service, including veteran and retiree spouses, and Gold Star and surviving spouses. These graduates have become passionate volunteers and advocates, supporting their communities and peers. The continuation of these programs ensures that a new wave of alumni will receive the tools to navigate challenges and foster resilient communities.
The partnership is a multidisciplinary effort involving faculty and staff from ten university organizations, 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 others. This collaborative approach highlights the university's commitment to serving those who serve our nation.
For more information about LIMS and its programs, visit leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org. Follow LIMS on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The University of Notre Dame, a leading global Catholic research university, is advancing human understanding through research and education. Learn more at nd.edu.
