Appalachian State University student Rachel Hamlin has been named a 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Champion.
Hamlin, a double major in Computer Information Systems and International Business at App State’s Walker College of Business, placed third in the country in Excel 365 Apps at the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas, June 16-18.
2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship
Endorsed by Microsoft and presented by Certiport, a Pearson VUE Business, the competition aims to connect students to employers and provide a portfolio and networking experience.
“I am so grateful I got the opportunity to compete among the best in the nation,” said Hamlin. “The professional development sessions and the competition challenged me to think differently, dream bigger, and push myself further.”
Hamlin took home $1,000 for her performance at the event, as well as bragging rights from having competed against thousands of peers to prove superior skills in the technology productivity applications.
Hamlin previously achieved the top ranking in the State of North Carolina, qualifying her to participate in the national competition. Hamlin was accompanied by CIS Lecturer Tori Humler.
Humler said Hamlin has previously traveled to compete, earning high placement thanks to her Excel skills. Related: App State students compete in Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge finals in Las Vegas
Microsoft Certification at App State
To qualify for the U.S. National Championship, candidates must take a Microsoft Office Specialist exam during the Fall or Spring Qualifiers.
The Walker College provides certification exams in Microsoft Office Specialist Excel® as part of the required curriculum for all business students.
“Thanks to all of our CIS 1060 faculty and staff who do such a wonderful job in preparing our students with "excel-lent" Excel skills,” said CIS Chair Dr. Scott Hunsinger. “This past semester, our CIS 1060 students achieved six of the top 10 scores across our state during the spring qualifier of the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship.”
“I am incredibly proud of Rachel’s achievement and grateful for the continued support of the Walker College of Business,” said Samantha Williams, MOS Coordinator. “Their commitment to student success—through opportunities like free Microsoft Office Specialist certifications—empowers our students to excel on national stages and beyond."
Hamlin added her thanks to the faculty and staff in the department, including Dr. Lijun Chen, who Hamlin says helped "set [her] up for success and prepared [her] to shine on a national stage.”
About CIS at App State
Students majoring or minoring in Computer Information Systems (BSBA) at Appalachian State University gain valuable professional skills and capabilities, enabling them to pursue a wide variety of technology-related careers. The CIS major teaches students how to successfully interface between the technical and management aspects within companies. Learn more at cis.appstate.edu.
Rachel Hamlin, left, with faculty advisor Tori Humler. Hamlin, a CIS and IB double major, earned third place in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship June 18, 2025.
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