The University of Notre Dame has collaborated with the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) to develop two innovative programs designed specifically to support and empower military spouses. These free, targeted courses aim to enhance leadership skills and mental health resilience among military families through specialized training and education.
The partnership will create two distinct programs exclusively available 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 multidisciplinary faculty from various Notre Dame departments and centers.
The first program, Leadership in Ethics, will focus on critical leadership competencies including conflict management, workplace communication, and ethical decision-making. By emphasizing skills such as voicing values and demonstrating empathy, the course intends to cultivate community leaders who can drive positive change within military communities.
The second program addresses mental health challenges specific to military families. Participants will learn to recognize and mitigate mental health risks, develop wellness strategies, and build emotional resilience. The course aims to equip military spouses with tools to support themselves, their families, and their peers during challenging transitions and high-stress periods.
MSAN President and CEO Verenice Castillo highlighted the significance of the partnership, emphasizing the goal of empowering military spouses to become strong community advocates. University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd underscored Notre Dame's longstanding commitment to supporting service members and their families.
The collaboration involves faculty from ten organizational units at Notre Dame, including the College of Arts and Letters, Mendoza College of Business, and the William J. Shaw Center for Children and Families. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic and research-driven educational experience for military spouses.
These programs represent a significant investment in military family support, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those who support service members. By providing targeted, high-quality educational resources, the initiative seeks to strengthen military communities and create pathways for personal and professional growth.
