Excel Excellence

January 30, 2025
Alli Nichols

CIS Student Allison Nichols Set to Compete in National Microsoft Office Competition

With a lifelong passion for data analysis, it’s no surprise that Computer Information Systems (CIS) major Allison Nichols looks at spreadsheets and sees a technological tool with limitless possibilities. This vision, along with talent and persistent dedication toward gaining knowledge and skill with data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, led to exceptionally high scores on her state Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) exam. This June, she will represent Kentucky at the Certiport 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship in Dallas, Texas, in the Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps) track along with other top-scoring students from across the country. 

We had an opportunity to connect with Nichols and learn more about how her interest in spreadsheets first evolved, her experience at the University of Louisville and College of Business and her advice for other students considering pursuing a degree in computer information systems.

College of Business: Could you describe your background and what life was like growing up for you?
 
Allison Nichols: I grew up with an older brother and my parents, one of which was in information technology. My father was the one who introduced me to coding and technology. Once he introduced me to the technology world, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up and that plan always stuck with me. I have always been very close to my family, and they are one of the main reasons I am where I am today. During high school, I started dating my now fiancé and he became another part of my support. Between my family and my fiancé, I know they will always have my back, and they constantly push me to be the best version of myself. They are the reason I am going to be able to graduate a year early. They knew what I was capable of with the credits I brought in from high school and they have always supported me and my dreams.
 
College of Business: Why did you decide to earn your bachelor’s degree at the University of Louisville?
 
Allison Nichols: I have lived in Louisville my whole life and always looked up to University of Louisville athletes and students. My family has many alumni from the school as well. I got invited to the Accolade event on campus and used the opportunity to tour and see what the campus would be like. I felt like I was in the right place the second I arrived and knew it was going to be my perfect fit. Shortly after I officially applied, the university accepted and sent me information regarding my scholarship offer. They offered me a full tuition scholarship with a stipend. From there accepting was the easiest decision ever!
 
College of Business: How did you first develop an interest in CIS and using spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel?
 
Allison Nichols: I first used Excel when I was in 5th grade and loved it from day one. I had started learning how to code from my father about two years earlier and using Excel reminded me of everything I loved about coding. I used Excel for everything I could, and the older I got, the more uses I found for Excel. Every vacation, assignment or event I was a part of had a complex Excel spreadsheet because I just loved to make them! My love of spreadsheets never dwindled with age or with overuse because I just kept finding new ways to use them. Now I get to be the one to teach my father the new things I learned, and he would use them to show his co-workers and team members in his job as well.
 
College of Business: What challenges have you experienced as a student here at UofL, and how did you overcome those obstacles?
 
Allison Nichols: Trying to navigate a world after COVID-19 was probably the most difficult challenge. The majority of my high school experience was changed because of COVID-19, and it was not the typical experience of many. Most of the dances I would’ve attended were canceled, classes were all online and we weren’t able to play or attend sports. Moving from that experience into a more typical college experience was a big jump. It took a lot for me to adjust to normal in-person classes and work out schedules for driving to class and waking up earlier. Especially since COVID-19 was still going around and people were still having to quarantine, I even happened to get COVID-19 during welcome week. Getting through COVID-19 was an intense challenge, but in the end, it taught me a lot about myself and everything I was capable of in the face of unexpected challenges. I feel like this experience made me recognize how much more it mattered to me that I could be out and around everyone. I made sure to have a set schedule and made time to take care of my health and take time to relax with friends even when I had a lot going on. 
 
College of Business: What are some of the most impactful experiences you have had at UofL, and why were those so significant for you?
 
Allison Nichols: Attending the fall dinner for the Board of Advisors was one of the most impactful and empowering events I have been a part of. When Interim Dean Guan invited me to the dinner, I was super excited! I remember my phone almost flying across the room as I jumped around because I knew that evening could lead to meeting so many people and showing people who I was in a professional environment. After arriving, I was informed they had heard of me earlier in the evening and many were excited to officially meet me. Being in a room with so many successful people and learning what they all did to get to where they are in life was so impactful for me. It was an amazing evening, and I was so glad I was able to attend.
 
College of Business: How did you first learn about the Microsoft 365 Office state competition, and how many Microsoft competitions have you participated in?
 
Allison Nichols: I first learned about it when I won the state competition in 2024. I was unaware of it before due to some days I had been unable to make class due to sickness and a work conflict at the beginning of my spring 2024 semester. So, when I got the email that I won, I was in complete shock, but shortly after I got extremely excited! I competed in the state competition in the 2023-2024 season and the 2024-2025 season. I competed at nationals in 2024 and placed 10th overall for Excel 2019, and I will also be competing at nationals for Excel in 2025. This will make for a total of four competitions.
 
College of Business: How did you feel after you learned that you had been selected to represent Kentucky at the Certiport 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist US National Championship in the Microsoft Excel track, and what does this recognition mean to you?
 
Allison Nichols: I was ecstatic! I had been watching the scores since my test had been submitted and was extremely hopeful I would win for the state of Kentucky for the second year in a row. I have loved using Excel for a very long time and getting that recognition showed me that I was very advanced at using the tool. Knowing I could make it to nationals twice was an amazing feeling and getting to represent the university that I have loved for so long made me feel a sense of pride as well.
 
College of Business: How do you feel the College of Business has helped to prepare you for your prior competitions, and how are you preparing for your upcoming competition in June?
 
Allison Nichols: They provided me with all the study tools for the first test which allowed me to test with a high score. For the test in June of 2024, Professor Anthony Manni sent me all the information he could find about the competition, and from that I made a study plan and flashcards for the Excel functions and shortcuts. For this upcoming year, I am preparing by getting empty spreadsheets and a goal for what I want it to look like when I am done. I then set a timer for an hour and see how much I can accomplish before the timer ends. My goal is to use this method to get quicker at using the functions in Excel and using the keyboard shortcuts.
 
College of Business: What CoB faculty have made the most impact on you, and why?
 
Allison Nichols: Professor Manni has been one of the most impactful professors for me. When I found out I won the first time, in May of 2024, he was extremely supportive and walked me through the steps on how to register and how to get assistance for the travel. When we were at the conference, he supported me a ton and was so friendly with my fiancé. When I got invited to the fall dinner with the Board of Advisors, he helped me learn what to expect and still talked with me to see how everything went after. When looking to compete again this year and get more certifications for Excel he was excited to work with me again and encouraged me every step of the way. I am so glad to have been placed in his class and have been with him throughout this experience.
 
Another faculty member who I felt impacted me a lot was Professor Barry Haworth. One of my first classes in my first semester in the College of Business was ECON 202 and I was super stressed coming into it. He constantly made the class laugh and made me feel more at ease. He told me on more than one occasion that I was always doing so much at once but was doing so well at managing it all and I always remember that compliment when I am having a really hard day or week. It reminds me that even with so much going on, I can do everything I need to. 
 
College of Business: Why would you encourage prospective students to choose UofL for their business degree?
 
Allison Nichols: UofL and the CoB are a massively supportive community. They all want to see you succeed and make it to graduation. The professors all want to be there and are very supportive of each student and care about all their classes. There is also a large network of alumni who are there to help you with the next steps after graduation. Overall, the CoB and UofL are not only home to some of the best programs in the country, but some of the most supportive and uplifting!
 
College of Business: What advice would you offer students considering pursuing a degree in CIS?
 
Allison Nichols: To keep pushing through the hard days. There is always that one assignment or class that makes you feel more challenged than ever before but getting through feels better than you can imagine! Have fun with the hard assignments and find ways to make them apply to what you love about computer information systems.

Are you considering earning a degree in computer information systems? Learn how we can help you reach your goals at https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/undergraduate-programs/computer-information-systems/

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives, and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity, and the power of people.

Connect with the CoB by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, or by visiting our website.