ASU–Newport Students Earn Statewide Microsoft Office Honors

Two students placed in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship Fall Qualifier.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Two students at Arkansas State University–Newport earned statewide recognition after placing in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship Fall Qualifier. Ian Holland of Jonesboro placed third in Microsoft Office Specialist Word (Office 2019), and Danica Brown of Pleasant Plains placed 10th in Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint (Office 2019).

Why it matters

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. These results reflect the value of industry certifications in preparing students for the workforce.

The details

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. ASU–Newport Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Typhanie Myers said the results demonstrate the university's commitment to equipping students with in-demand skills.

  • The 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship Fall Qualifier took place in late 2025.

The players

Ian Holland

A student at Arkansas State University–Newport who placed third in Microsoft Office Specialist Word (Office 2019).

Danica Brown

A student at Arkansas State University–Newport who placed 10th in Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint (Office 2019).

Dr. Typhanie Myers

The Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at Arkansas State University–Newport.

Certiport

The organization that announced and hosted the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist Arkansas State Championship Fall Qualifier.

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What they’re saying

“The results reflect the value of industry certifications in preparing students for the workforce.”

— Dr. Typhanie Myers, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Arkansas State University–Newport (whiterivernow.com)

The takeaway

Arkansas State University–Newport is committed to equipping its students with in-demand, industry-recognized Microsoft Office skills that can give them a competitive edge in the job market.