A Champion Emerges

Chase Otto, a University of Findlay sophomore majoring in computer science, recently earned the title and distinction of national champion.

At the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship, held on June 18 in Grapevine, Texas, Otto emerged as the top competitor in the Microsoft Excel event. Upon hearing his name announced as the winner of his specialty, the Oiler student from Pandora, Ohio, was left in pure disbelief.

“I felt nothing but shock and amazement in the moment of winning,” Otto said.

From Certification to Competition

Across the United States, thousands of students aged 13 to 22 entered one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified passing score on one of the following certification exams: Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Microsoft Office Specialist Excel®, and Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint®. The champion receives $3,000, a medal of achievement, a trophy, a certificate, a gift from Microsoft, and an invitation to compete on a wider scale.

Setting the Standard at UF

The UF Computer Science Department is an authorized testing center for the MOS exams. Students in CSCI 155, 157, and 149 courses are required to take certain exams as part of their coursework. Once they pass the required exams, they have the opportunity to take additional MOS exams if they choose. When taking the exams, students can opt in to be considered to represent Ohio in the MOS National Championship Competition.

“Offering MOS exams has allowed our students to earn industry-recognized credentials for their Microsoft Office skills,” said Dr. Helen Schneider, associate professor and chair of computer science. “We are proud of all our students who put in the effort and practice to earn the credentials, and recognition at the state and national levels. Chase Otto’s national title shows his outstanding use of Excel, and his exemplary approach to making the most of his educational opportunities.”

Otto, who is pursuing a degree with an emphasis in computer systems, qualified for the national championships based on the scores he earned on his associate and expert certification exams this past semester. This launched his competitive journey of Microsoft Excel mastery, as he then dug into his preparation for contending on the national stage.

“I spent a few weeks training for the competition through the practice exams I had used for my certification exams, along with using Excel for personal projects to get a better understanding of how it can be used in day-to-day life,” Otto noted.

The Next Stage of Competition

As national champion of the Excel program, Otto earned a trip to participate in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship in Orlando, Florida, taking place July 27-30. There, he will compete against more than a hundred other finalists from countries across the world. Otto looks to lean into the momentum and knowledge he has gained through his recent victory.

“I am both overjoyed and nervous at the thought of competing in the world championships, but I have gained more confidence thanks to my experience at the national championships,” he shared.

While his proficiency in Excel has opened doors to competing broadly, Otto recognizes its practical benefits—ones that fellow and prospective students can also leverage. It’s no question this skill will continue to support him during and after his time at the University.

Beyond the Competition: Real-World Value

“If you have the opportunity to take the CSCI 155 Spreadsheet Design course, I highly recommend doing so,” Otto said. “Even if you don’t qualify for the national championship, just having the knowledge of Microsoft Excel and being able to show you are certified in the software is a great item to have on your resume and can help you in landing a job.”

Click here to learn more about the University of Findlay’s computer science department.

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