Ronald Sterling

Ronald Sterling serves as a part-time Lecturer in Pastoral Studies and Spiritual Formation at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and is the Director of Vocational Services (previously Director of Student Services until October 2023). He joined the Beeson faculty and staff in 2017.

• Education: DMin and MDiv from Beeson Divinity School, BS from Southern University
• Ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination for over 20 years
• Pastor of Saint John AME Church in Birmingham
• PRN Chaplain at UAB Health System in Birmingham

Dr. Sterling's teaching philosophy integrates his pastoral experience, emphasizing meeting students where they are and creating a calming classroom presence. His research interests focus on pastoral ministry, spiritual formation, and racial reconciliation. As Director of Student Services, he prioritized racial reconciliation initiatives and student retention, leveraging his AME Church connections to strengthen institutional relationships and recruitment.

Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he moved to Birmingham in 1988 for a BellSouth Telecommunications job before answering his call to ministry. Married to Kim for over 47 years, they have three children and eight grandchildren.