April 3, 1941-May 19, 2013

Sterling B. Williams portrait, 1979

Dr. Sterling B. Williams was a leader in the field of obstetrics and gynecology and served with several national organizations dedicated to medical education. In 1979, during his tenure at KU Medical Center, Williams pioneered the first formal program in the U.S. that utilized music therapy in the delivery room.

Williams held various faculty positions in the obstetrics and gynecology and family practice departments at KU Medical Center from 1976 until 1987. In 1997, Williams returned to KU Medical Center to serve as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In 2001, Williams left for Washington, D.C. to serve as vice president of education at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. While there, he also directed the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. From 2002 to 2010, Williams was heavily involved with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and served on various committees, councils and workgroups.

In his personal life, Williams was a gifted vocalist who performed with numerous choral groups. He was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2008.