Thomas Sterling (February 21, 1851 – August 26, 1930) was an American lawyer, U.S. Senator, and the first dean of the University of South Dakota College of Law. A Republican, he served in the United States Senate from 1913 to 1925. He later served as dean and law professor at George Washington University Law School. The University of South Dakota School of Law awards Sterling Honors to their graduating top 10% in honor of their first dean.