University of Notre Dame Launches Specialized Leadership Programs for Military Spouses

The Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) and the University of Notre Dame have introduced two groundbreaking programs designed to empower military spouses through specialized leadership and mental health training. These free, targeted courses aim to equip military spouses with critical skills in ethical leadership and psychological resilience.

The new partnership will offer two distinct programs exclusively to alumni of the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses (LIMS) Leadership Development Program. Selected participants will join cohorts of 50 students in courses developed by faculty from multiple Notre Dame centers, including the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families and the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership.

The Leadership in Ethics course will focus on developing essential leadership competencies, covering topics such as conflict management, workplace communication, and principled decision-making. By emphasizing skills like voicing professional values and demonstrating empathy, the program seeks to cultivate community leaders who can drive positive change.

Complementing the leadership course, the mental health wellness program addresses unique challenges facing military families. The curriculum will help participants recognize and mitigate mental health risks specific to military communities, while teaching strategies for personal and collective emotional resilience.

MSAN President and CEO Verenice Castillo highlighted the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the potential to empower military spouses as community leaders and advocates. University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd reinforced Notre Dame's longstanding commitment to supporting service members and their families.

The multidisciplinary initiative involves faculty and staff from ten organizational units at Notre Dame, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to supporting military families through education and professional development.

These programs represent a significant investment in the personal and professional growth of military spouses, recognizing their critical role in supporting service members and maintaining strong, resilient military communities. By providing targeted, high-quality training, MSAN and the University of Notre Dame are helping to create a network of skilled, confident leaders who can make meaningful contributions both within and beyond military contexts.