The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) announced a continued partnership with the University of Notre Dame to deliver its Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) programs through 2027. This collaboration will bring second cohorts for two specialized courses: one focused on mental health and wellness, and the other on ethical leadership. These free, virtual programs are designed exclusively for LIMS alumni and aim to equip military spouses with advanced skills to support their families and communities.
The courses, developed by Notre Dame faculty, will be presented by 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 crafted in partnership 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 the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs and other departments.
Since the inception of the Leadership Development Program in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated, representing all branches of service, including veteran and retiree spouses, as well as Gold Star and surviving spouses. The program has cultivated a network of volunteers and advocates who actively support their communities. The new courses aim to deepen this impact by addressing critical areas such as mental health and ethical decision-making.
The Ethical Leadership course focuses on conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. It is designed to help military spouses become leaders who foster resilient and flourishing communities. The mental health course series aims to dispel myths, identify risks common in military communities, and develop skills for wellness promotion. Participants will learn to practice self-care, support emotional resilience, and act effectively in times of stress.
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." Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, added, "It is deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners."
The partnership underscores a broader trend of academic institutions collaborating with nonprofits to address the unique challenges faced by military families. By providing high-quality, accessible training, these programs not only benefit individual spouses but also strengthen the resilience of military communities as a whole. For business and technology leaders, this model highlights the value of cross-sector partnerships in delivering meaningful education and support, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in other sectors.
The LIMS programs are part of MSAN's broader mission to create stronger military families through education, empowerment, and support. With the continued support of Notre Dame, MSAN is positioning itself to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that military spouses have the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
