MSAN and University of Notre Dame Extend Partnership for Military Spouse Leadership Programs Through 2027

The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) has announced an extension of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) through 2027. This collaboration, which began in 2025, provides free, virtual training programs designed to empower military spouses with leadership skills and mental health wellness tools. The initiative underscores a commitment to strengthening military families across Texas and the nation.

Two specialized programs will see their second cohorts launch, focusing on ethical leadership and mental health resilience. Developed 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, these courses aim to equip military spouses with practical skills to navigate challenges and foster thriving communities. The online content was crafted in partnership with the university's Office of Digital Learning, part of Notre Dame Learning.

Verenice Castillo, MSAN President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration. “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 said. Castillo highlighted that the programs prepare spouses to serve as stronger leaders, trusted mentors, and compassionate advocates, making a profound difference in their families and communities.

Since LIMS was established in 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from its flagship Leadership Development Program. Graduates come from every branch of service, including veteran and retiree spouses, as well as Gold Star and surviving spouses. These alumni often become passionate volunteers and advocates, providing critical support to their communities. The new courses are exclusively available to LIMS alumni, ensuring they continue to develop skills that benefit their families and networks.

The Ethical Leadership course addresses conflict management, voicing values at work, and honesty and empathy in decision-making. The mental health course series focuses on dispelling myths, identifying risks common in military communities, and developing wellness strategies. These skills help spouses practice self-care, support emotional resilience, and act effectively during stressful times.

The partnership is a multidisciplinary effort involving faculty and staff from ten university organizations, spearheaded by Notre Dame Research. The initiative is resourced with support from the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza College of Business, and other departments. This broad collaboration ensures the programs are comprehensive and impactful.

Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, noted the rewarding nature of the initiative. “When we worked with members of the Notre Dame faculty to develop these two non-credit offerings for MSAN, it was with the goal of serving as many military spouses as possible,” she said. “It is deeply rewarding to know the courses are continuing to reach new cohorts of learners.”

This extension is significant for Texas, home to a large military population. The programs provide accessible education that strengthens the skills of military spouses, enhancing their ability to contribute to the workforce and community leadership. As the partnership continues, more families will benefit from these transformative opportunities.

For more information about LIMS and its programs, visit leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org. Follow LIMS on Facebook and LinkedIn. For details on the University of Notre Dame, visit nd.edu.