Mission Meets Impact: Mason Mishler’s Journey Through Notre Dame’s MNA Program

For Mason Mishler, a South Bend native and current MNA (Master of Nonprofit Administration) candidate at the University of Notre Dame, pursuing a graduate degree wasn’t just about advancing his career—it was about deepening his lifelong commitment to service.

“I was born and raised here in South Bend, and it has always been a dream of mine to attend the University of Notre Dame,” Mishler shared. “Being from the area, I had experienced firsthand Notre Dame’s commitment to service and community impact. That seemed to match perfectly with my personal mission to serve others.”

A Career in Service, Elevated

Mishler’s passion for youth development has been the driving force behind his five years with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Movement. Today, he serves as Research Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northern Indiana Corridor, where he leads a large-scale research initiative in partnership with Notre Dame's Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunity (LEO).

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s not just about making an impact—it’s about making sure that impact is measurable so we can understand how much of a difference we're actually making,” he explained. “The MNA program has given me practical tools to make a more meaningful impact and to problem-solve in the work I do every day.”

Through his MNA practicum, Mishler worked directly with his organization’s operations team, helping to evaluate safety standards and improve continuous quality improvement processes. It was a hands-on experience that allowed him to see just how much the program was already influencing his work.

“I realized truly how much I had been learning,” he said. “Courses like Innovation in the Nonprofit Sector and Strategic Management helped me implement new systems and strategies, while also thinking innovatively about how to do things differently.”

Leading with Purpose

Mishler credits the MNA program with shaping not only his skill set but also his leadership philosophy.

“More than anything, it has reinforced the importance of servant leadership,” he reflected. “It hasn’t been one class that stuck out—it’s been a central theme throughout the program. We learn to ‘grow the good in business,’ and that growth starts within ourselves.”

Thanks to this mindset, Mishler says his approach to decision-making has become clearer and more values-driven. “Our Business Ethics class helped me understand the importance of not only having a code of ethics but living by it. I have a much clearer sense of my own ‘North Star’—the values that guide my decisions. If I had to sum up how this program has shaped my decision-making, it would be in one word: clarity.”

Building Community and Connection

Beyond the classroom, Mishler found connection and purpose through collaborative projects with his fellow MNA candidates. One standout experience was a group project in the Innovation in the Nonprofit Sector course, where his team developed a systems map to address the holistic rehabilitation and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals and those struggling with substance use.

“We connected with judges, directors of prison education programs, and other community leaders,” Mishler shared. “It was rewarding to hear so many passionate stories and to work together to propose solutions to such a complex issue. We learned what goes into tackling the challenges facing our communities today.”

A Step Forward, Not a Pause

For prospective students considering the MNA, Mishler’s advice is clear: dive in.

“Have discussions with current students, alumni, and faculty. What you’ll quickly see is passion for service and mission,” he said. “The MNA program empowers students to give back to their communities and equips them to lead with excellence. You’ll meet the kindest individuals who are genuinely interested in seeing you succeed.”

For Mishler, enrolling in the MNA program wasn’t just an academic decision—it was a life decision. One that required relocating his family, including his newborn, back to South Bend. And he says it was worth every bit of the leap.

“I initially felt like I was putting my career on pause to do this program,” Mishler admitted. “But now I realize it wasn’t a pause at all. It was a step that will propel my career even further forward. I’ve learned so much, I’ve grown, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to get my master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame.”

When asked to sum up the experience, he doesn’t hesitate: “This is a program that challenges you, but equips you, to be all that you can be.”