He is an EIU alumnus, graduating in 1990 with a B.A. in philosophy, before obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. He was selected as the 2014-15 faculty laureate and has twice been elected president of the Illinois Philosophical Association. He is also completing his second term as chair of the EIU Faculty Senate. Sterling’s research includes issues regarding constitutional interpretation, especially with regards to the 14th Amendment.