John Davis gives a presentation in Thompson Hall, reporting to the crowd that a goal has been set to begin classes in summer 2019.

Tarkio College Board Board Vice President Don Jagger stands in Rankin Hall, where several committee members were given a tour and an update on the renovation project.

On December 5, 2018, over 40 community business men and women from around the tri-state area were invited to the former Tarkio College campus to see improvements that have been made.

Steering Committee member Kristi McEnaney and Board Vice President Don Jagger  gave everyone a tour of Thompson Hall, Rankin Hall, one of the dorms and the cafeteria. Both Thompson Hall and Rankin Hall are in good shape and are move-in ready. Plans continue for the renovations on the other buildings.

Following a campus tour, everyone was invited back to Thompson Hall for a meal and presentation by John Davis on the future plans for the facility. John reported that the board reapplied for certification to become a two-year technical institution rather than a four-year college, to the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

John reported in his presentation that the board reevaluated the needs of the area and came to the conclusion that a technical school was a better fit. He stated that in 1940, approximately 25 percent of all jobs required a higher degree of education such as a four year school. That same percent holds true today, leaving the majority of jobs needing some form of technical schooling.

The four main areas of education and certification the school is looking into are computer sciences, wind energy, plumbing, and developmental courses for students looking to attend a two or four year college.

Once Tarkio College receives its certification from the state, the plans are to open up for classes in the summer of 2019.  Their goal is to serve 200 students per semester within five years. For ongoing news about Tarkio College, visit TarkioAlumni.org.