Seven students from Appalachian State University recently represented the university at the Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge (MECC) Regional Competition, “Excel on Rocky Top,” hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Friday, April 10.
The competition brought together top student Excel competitors from across the Southeast, including teams from the University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Auburn University, and Georgia State University.
Representing App State were:
- Aadya Adiga (Computer Information Systems)
- Seth Hudson (Accounting)
- Cora Hungerford (Finance & Banking)
- Emma Klotz (Accounting)
- Steven Marley (Accounting)
- Kristina Moore (Management; Finance & Banking)
- Jack Sullivan (Hospitality & Tourism Management)
Students competed in four individual Excel case categories: Ninja, Data, Speed, and Visual, designed to test a wide range of advanced spreadsheet and analytical skills. Competitors also participated in a collaborative bonus team case in groups of two to three students, modeled after the team format used in the MECC World Championship. The event additionally featured a lunch panel with industry professionals discussing financial literacy, lending, and data analytics applications in business.
App State earned 4th place overall in the Varsity Team Competition, demonstrating the continued growth of App State’s Excel and analytics program.
Several Mountaineers also received individual recognition:
- Aadya Adiga – 2nd Place, Junior Varsity Speed Challenge
- Kristina Moore – 10th Place, Varsity Speed Challenge
The team was coached by Tori Humler (CIS) and Chris McNeil (Finance), who traveled with the students to support the competition.
“The MECC regional competition provides students with an incredible opportunity to apply their Excel and analytical skills in a fast-paced, competitive environment while networking with peers and professionals from across the region,” said Humler. “We are proud of how our students represented Appalachian State and the progress they continue to make in Excel esports.”
“These events are a terrific way to build problem-solving and Excel skills that are highly valued by employers and have fun while doing so,” added McNeil.
The Microsoft Excel Collegiate Challenge has quickly become one of the premier collegiate Excel competitions in the country, combining technical spreadsheet expertise with esports-style competition to engage students in data analytics, business problem-solving, and professional development.
App State student competitors at UT Knoxville
MECC April 2026 - Photo submitted