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 brings free, virtual training to military spouses, focusing on ethical leadership and mental health wellness. The programs are designed to empower military spouses with skills that enhance their resilience and leadership capabilities, ultimately benefiting their families and communities.
The courses, developed and delivered 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 part of a broader initiative that includes the university's Office of Digital Learning. These programs are exclusive to LIMS alumni, providing advanced training that builds on the foundational Leadership Development Program, which has graduated nearly 300 military spouses since 2020.
Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed gratitude for the continued 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 at Notre Dame, echoed this sentiment, noting the rewarding nature of seeing the courses reach new cohorts of learners.
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 wellness and emotional resilience. These programs are part of a multidisciplinary campus project involving faculty and staff from ten organizations at Notre Dame, spearheaded by Notre Dame Research and supported by various university offices.
The partnership underscores MSAN's mission to create stronger military families through education, empowerment, and support. By offering these advanced courses, MSAN and Notre Dame are investing in the leadership potential of military spouses, equipping them to serve as mentors and advocates in their communities. The continuation of this partnership into 2027 signals a long-term commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by military families and fostering a culture of leadership and service.
