DeWayne Phelps is an experienced mine health and safety professional. Driven by a passion for safety and educating others, he takes pride in providing the highest quality training to universities, industry and government organizations. As an experienced leader and facilitator, his goal is to ensure his students and mine rescue teams are prepared for their jobs and can perform their duties confidently.

In addition to a distinguished 20+ year career as a leader and Bronze Star recipient in the US Army, DeWayne has 12 years of Mine Health and Safety and Mine Rescue experience at the Missouri University of Science & Technology (MS&T) where he managed, trained, and led mining students and mine rescue teams with industry leading practices and curriculum. As a testament to his instruction, his university teams have placed 35 times in mine rescue competitions throughout the last 11 years.

During his time at MS&T, he was awarded the Experiential Learning Award and Student Service Award, earned a certificate in Explosives Engineering, and developed the first Tunnel Rescue Training course for industry.

Among his list of impressive qualifications, DeWayne is a licensed blaster in Missouri and experienced in underground and surface drilling. 

Inducted in the Missouri Mine Rescue Hall of Fame Class of 2022.