The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced the extension of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) by MSAN through 2027. This continuation will bring a second cohort of military spouse alumni the opportunity to participate in two specialized programs: one focused on ethical leadership and the other on mental health wellness. These courses, developed by Notre Dame faculty, are part of MSAN's broader mission to create stronger military families through education, empowerment, and support.
The partnership, which began in 2025, leverages the expertise of the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families, the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, and the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership. The online content was designed in collaboration with the university's Office of Digital Learning, part of Notre Dame Learning. This multidisciplinary effort involves faculty and staff from ten university organizations, spearheaded by Notre Dame Research with support from various departments including the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, the College of Arts and Letters, and the Mendoza College of Business.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for 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 equip military spouses to serve as stronger leaders, mentors, and advocates, making a profound difference in their families and communities.
Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, noted the goal of serving as many military spouses as possible. "It is deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners," she said. Since its inception in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from LIMS's flagship Leadership Development Program, with graduates representing every branch of service, including veteran and retiree spouses and Gold Star and surviving spouses.
The Ethical Leadership course addresses conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making, aiming to foster resilient communities. The mental health course series focuses on dispelling myths, identifying risks common in military communities, and developing wellness skills for self and others. These programs are exclusively available to LIMS alumni, providing advanced training to further their impact.
The MSAN-Notre Dame partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in supporting military families. As the courses continue into 2027, they reinforce the commitment to empowering military spouses with the tools needed to navigate challenges and lead effectively in their communities. For more information about LIMS and its programs, visit leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org.
