The I Phelta Thi Chapter is the founding chapter of Phi Boota roota which was created within the drum line of The Pride of Mississippi at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS on September 26, 1976. The founding fathers Connie Sprinkell, Joe Evans, and Glenn Buckalew (who would become the first initiate) wanted to instill a feeling of unity amongst college drum lines. The same traditions of which Phi Boota roota was founded are still recognized and practiced today at the University of Southern Mississippi. The I Phelta Thi Chapter attended the 7th National Convention in 2014. This was the first time that the founding chapter had participated on the National level. I Phelta Thi became a Nationally Active Chapter on May 27th, 2016 with 8 active members.