DALLAS, TEXAS – Winthrop University student Daniel Fernandez is officially a Microsoft Office Specialist, placing in the top 10 in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship’s Excel® (Microsoft 365 Apps) category.
Fernandez, a business administration major, traveled to Dallas earlier this June to compete in the competition. Presented by Certiport, a Pearson VUE Business, and sponsored by Microsoft, the competition tests students’ skills in Microsoft Office Word, Excel® and PowerPoint®. Fernandez was one of only two students from South Carolina who placed, testing a wide range of advanced Excel skills.
“It was an amazing experience getting to connect with other talented competitors, participants and event coordinators throughout the week,” he said. “I’m excited to keep building on this momentum, both in the sky and on the spreadsheet.”
“The students have shown a remarkably high standard in their understanding and use of the Microsoft programs,” said Gary Gates, managing director, Pearson VUE, in a press release. “These students have not only proven that they are the best in the U.S. at using Microsoft Office products effectively, but they have also earned an important distinction to include on their resumes: a desire to learn and validate in-demand skills. The certification that they have earned as well as the title of ‘Microsoft Office Specialist’ will serve them well in their future academic and career pursuits.”
Richard Ilson, computer science instructor at Winthrop, often teaches a Microsoft Excel course leading to official certification. Before the exam, students are offered the chance to register for the competition. Fernandez said yes, earning a near-perfect score.
"I saw it as an amazing opportunity to grow, challenge myself and represent Winthrop and South Carolina on a national level," Fernandez said.
Ilson worked with Certiport for additional resources that Fernandez could use to study and practice, and also with College of Business and Technology Dean P.N. Saksena on financial support to attend the competition.
Off campus, Fernandez currently works at the Rock Hill Airport, where he supports aircraft operations.
"I’ve always had a strong interest in both business and aviation, and I’m looking forward to finding a path where I can explore both areas and see where they take me," he said.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, social media manager, at chisarin@winthrop.edu.
