The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced that its Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) will continue its partnership with the University of Notre Dame through 2027. This collaboration, which began in 2025, offers free virtual training programs designed to equip military spouses with leadership and mental health skills. The extension will see the second cohorts of two courses: one focused on building resilience and mental health, and the other on ethical leadership for professional development.
The courses are developed and presented 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 design of the online content is a collaborative effort with the university's Office of Digital Learning, part of Notre Dame Learning. This multidisciplinary project 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.
MSAN President and CEO Verenice Castillo expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership: "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 equip spouses to serve as stronger leaders, mentors, and advocates. Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, noted the goal of reaching as many military spouses as possible and the reward of seeing the courses continue to serve new cohorts.
Since LIMS was established in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from its flagship Leadership Development Program. Graduates represent every branch of service, including veteran and retiree spouses, and Gold Star and surviving spouses. These alumni are actively involved as volunteers, advocates, and changemakers in their communities. The two new courses are exclusively available to LIMS alumni, providing advanced training to further enhance their impact.
The Ethical Leadership course covers topics such as conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. The goal is 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. This training helps spouses practice self-care, support emotional resilience, and act effectively in stressful situations.
This partnership reflects a shared mission to support military families through education and empowerment. The courses are designed to provide practical tools that can be applied immediately in personal and professional contexts. By extending the collaboration, MSAN and Notre Dame are reinforcing their dedication to the well-being and leadership development of military spouses, ultimately strengthening the broader military community.
