Ian Holland (left) of Jonesboro and Danica Brown (right) of Pleasant Plains
Two students at Arkansas State University–Newport earned statewide recognition after placing in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship Fall Qualifier, officials announced.
Ian Holland of Jonesboro placed third in Microsoft Office Specialist Word (Office 2019), competing against students from across Arkansas. Danica Brown of Pleasant Plains placed 10th in Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint (Office 2019) in the same statewide qualifier.
The competition, announced by Certiport, drew students ages 13 to 22 who submitted qualifying passing scores in Word, Excel or PowerPoint certification exams by Dec. 19.
The Microsoft Office Specialist credential is the only official Microsoft-recognized certification for Microsoft Office worldwide and is designed to assess real-world workplace skills.
ASU–Newport Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Typhanie Myers said the results reflect the value of industry certifications in preparing students for the workforce.
Images via ASU-Newport
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