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, provides free, virtual leadership training to military spouses, with two specialized programs: one on ethical leadership and one on mental health wellness. These programs are designed to equip military spouses with skills to support their families and communities.
Courses for the upcoming cohorts will be 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. The online content was developed 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, among others.
“We are honored to continue this partnership and the meaningful impact we are creating together,” said Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO. The programs aim to foster resilience, mental health, and ethical leadership among military spouses, who often face unique challenges. Since the LIMS flagship program began in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated, representing all branches of service, including veteran and retiree spouses, and Gold Star and surviving spouses.
The Ethical Leadership course covers conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. The mental health course series addresses dispelling myths, identifying risks common in military communities, and developing skills for wellness. These offerings are exclusive to LIMS alumni, providing advanced training to enhance their leadership capabilities.
The extension of this partnership underscores the commitment to empowering military spouses, who play a vital role in the readiness and resilience of the armed forces. By investing in their education and leadership skills, MSAN and Notre Dame are helping to build stronger military families and communities. For more information, visit the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses or the University of Notre Dame.
