With speed, precision, and mastery of spreadsheets, Tia Argento, a student in Eastern University’s School of Mathematics and Computational Sciences, won first place in the Microsoft Excel (Office 2019) category at the state level of the 2026 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship.
The achievement qualifies her to compete at the MOS National Championship in Nashville this June.
“Receiving this honor has been both exciting and humbling,” said Argento. “This opportunity allows me to further advance my technical skills, network with new individuals on a national level, and experience attending nationals in June.”
Each year, tens of thousands of students across the country participate in the MOS U.S. National Championship, making it one of the largest, most competitive, and well-respected technology-based academic competitions in the United States. Students are evaluated on speed, accuracy, problem-solving, and technical precision while recreating complex Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, or PowerPoint presentations. These challenges simulate real workplace scenarios, making the competition both academically demanding and career-relevant. Winners of the national championship will go on to represent the U.S. at the world championship level.
By earning first place in Pennsylvania for Microsoft Excel, Argento demonstrated exceptional skill in spreadsheet functions, formulas, data analysis, and formatting. Her performance reflects not only technical expertise but also strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and efficiency skills that are highly valued in today’s business world. Argento’s success also highlights the strength of Eastern’s business program, which emphasizes practical, hands-on skill development that prepares students for professional careers.
Both Argento and Lorie Thomas, Affiliate Professor of Accounting and Finance at Eastern University, received official certificates celebrating their accomplishments, underscoring the importance of strong mentorship and instructional support in student success.
“I’m eager to compete in nationals and grateful to represent Eastern University and the state of Pennsylvania,” said Argento. “This wouldn’t be possible without the guidance from my professors, who have empowered me to strive for greatness. Their love and support are truly appreciated, and I thank them for it.”
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