Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 01, 2026
MSAN and Notre Dame Extend Partnership to Empower Military Spouses
TLDR
- Military spouses gain an edge: free Notre Dame courses in ethical leadership and mental health wellness, second cohorts now open.
- Notre Dame partners with MSAN to deliver two free virtual courses for military spouses, developed by faculty and digital learning experts.
- Nearly 300 military spouses have graduated, empowering them to lead, advocate, and strengthen families and communities.
- Learn conflict management, voicing values, and mental health myths in free courses from Notre Dame for military spouse alumni.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because military spouses face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and employment gaps, which can impact their mental health and career progression. By providing free, high-quality leadership and wellness training, MSAN and Notre Dame are directly investing in the resilience and professional growth of military families. These programs not only enhance individual well-being but also strengthen the communities and the armed forces as a whole, as empowered spouses contribute to a more stable and supportive environment for service members.
Summary
The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) is thrilled to announce the continuation of its partnership with the University of Notre Dame for the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS by MSAN) into 2027. This collaboration brings back two transformative programs—one focused on mental health wellness and resilience, and the other on ethical leadership—for a second cohort of military spouses. These free, virtual courses are designed to equip military spouses with essential skills to thrive personally and professionally, and are exclusively offered to LIMS alumni.
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, the courses are delivered through the university's Notre Dame Learning unit. MSAN President and CEO Verenice Castillo expressed deep gratitude for the university's continued investment, highlighting the programs' role in empowering military spouses with knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills. Sonia Howell, director of the Office of Digital Learning, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the goal of reaching as many military spouses as possible.
Since 2020, nearly 300 military spouses have graduated from the flagship Leadership Development Program, representing all branches of service, including veteran and Gold Star spouses. The new programs aim to build on this success by addressing critical topics such as conflict management, voicing values at work, and mental health awareness. The partnership involves multiple university departments, including Military & Veterans Affairs, and is spearheaded by Notre Dame Research. For more information, visit www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, MSAN and Notre Dame Extend Partnership to Empower Military Spouses
