Lakeland Graduate Megan Pickell to Deliver Opening Convocation Address
Two-time Lakeland graduate Megan (Stock) Pickell will be the featured speaker as Lakeland University officially opens the 2026-27 academic year with its Opening Convocation on Thursday, September 3, at 11 a.m. in the Bradley Theatre.
Pickell completed a Lakeland bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration in 2008 and a master of business administration in 2010. Today she serves as director of strategic initiatives at AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company.
A Libertyville, Ill., native, Pickell served as marketing graduate assistant for Lakeland after receiving her bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management. She was actively involved as a member of the women's soccer team, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Colleges Against Cancer.
“The relationships I built and the experiences I had at Lakeland continue to influence both my personal and professional life, and I remain close with many of the friends I made during my time there,” she said.
Pickell is director of strategic initiatives at AbbVie, where she leads complex, global cross-functional programs within the global finance organization that supports enterprise-wide strategic priorities.
Her career began in procurement before transitioning into program management, and she has built experience across both the pharmaceutical and technology industries.
She lives in Libertyville with her husband and their three children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and giving back to the communities and organizations that have shaped her journey.
She volunteers for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Lake Minear Beach (membership director as a volunteer board member) and is 1st vice president for the Family Association at her children’s elementary school.
