WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University competitive cheer head coach Joshua Johnson has announced the hiring of Tymber Long as the first head coach of the newly formed dance program.

Long will be tasked with building the new Friends dance program heading into its first season of competition.

A native of Lincoln, Neb., Long comes to Friends after cheering in her hometown at Lincoln Southeast High School before competing collegiately at Bentley University (Mass.).

Overall, Long has accumulated over 15 years of ballet, jazz, and modern/lyrical dance experience in her career.

"I am excited and eager to work with Tymber," said Johnson. "Her motivation and experience was something that we clicked on very early. To see someone come in and want to build a program with the same enthusiasm as you and others is something I admire. I have full confidence in Tymber and am ready to see what God has in store for our program and staff as a whole."