John Dennis, Ph.D.
University of Texas
Credentials
Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, University of Texas
M.A. in Developmental and Communication Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore,
B.A. in Economics, University of Colorado
B.A. in Psychology, minor in Philosophy, University of Colorado
Short Bio
John L. Dennis, PhD, is a psychologist, educator, and writer who explores discomfort as a catalyst for growth. He is the author of Beyond Comfort: Why Dodging Discomfort is Holding You Back – and How to Break Free (2025), a synthesis of two decades of research at the intersection of cognitive science, psychotherapy, international education, and behavior change. He serves as Academic Board Member, Affiliated Faculty, PhD Advisor, and Trainer at the Centre for Higher Education Internationalization at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan; Chair of the Multicultural Psychology Program at The Umbra Institute; and Professor at the University of Perugia. A licensed Cognitive Behavior Therapist, Dennis designs learning experiences that challenge mental models, foster global mindsets, and build psychological resilience. He is also co-founder of mixabroad.com, a platform that measures the transformative impact of study abroad.
Signature Project
Beyond Comfort is a book-length synthesis of twenty years of research and practice into how discomfort cognitive, emotional, and social—functions as a lever for human transformation. The work combines narrative psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and insights from international education to create a practical map for readers who want to break free from comfort traps and lead bolder, more meaningful lives.
Teaching & Advising
Across university classrooms, doctoral seminars, intercultural trainings, and executive workshops, this teaching career centers around one central premise: discomfort is not a barrier to learning—it is the pathway through it. Courses in psychology, behavior change, scientific storytelling, and intercultural development challenge students to lean into uncertainty, confront limiting beliefs, and stretch into new perspectives. Whether helping PhD researchers craft their message, guiding undergraduates through the science of resilience, or mentoring educators navigating cultural tension, the pedagogical core principle is that growth begins where comfort ends.
Courses taught at Umbra
- BUS / PSYC 460: Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach
- BUS 460: Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach
- EDUC 300: Experiencing Multicultural Psychology (MPP Core Course)
- PSYC 300: Experiencing Multicultural Psychology (MPP Core Course)
- PSYC 385 – Psychology Research: From Idea to Discovery
- PSYC 450: Positive Psychology – The Science of Behavioral Change
- PSYC 460: Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach
- PSYC/EDUC 300: Experiencing Multicultural Psychology (MPP Core Course)