Tarkio College was founded in 1883 largely through the efforts and support of a local farmer and entrepreneur, David Rankin. It became a well-respected, four-year private liberal arts college which continued to operate and bless its students, faculty, staff, and community at large until 1992. The campus sat idle for periods of time, while loyal alumni sought to recapture an educational mission for the school. The efforts brought forth fruit in 2019. Tarkio College d/b/a Tarkio Technology Institute (Tarkio Tech) was certified by the Missouri Department of Higher Education to provide needed technical training and skills for today’s workforce.