15 Mar 2026 Two Central Arkansas nursing home administrators celebrated for 40 years of service

By Kelli Reep

For most people, a career is something measured in job titles, pay raises or retirement dates circled on a calendar. But for Vickey Kirkemier and Joan Robbins, a career has meant something deeper, measured in lives cared for, families comforted and generations of Arkansans who have trusted them during some of life’s most vulnerable seasons.

On Feb. 10, the two long-time nursing home administrators were honored with a celebratory luncheon at Cache restaurant in Little Rock, recognizing more than 40 years of service and leadership in Arkansas long-term care. The event highlighted a rare milestone in the industry: Both women have dedicated their careers to the same facilities, creating legacies defined by compassion, commitment and excellence. It was organized by Nursing Consultants, Inc., which owns the homes they manage.

For Kirkemier, administrator of Superior Health & Rehab in Conway, the celebration marks 40 years of service, but it does not signal retirement. “I’m not retiring,” she said with a laugh. “I love what I do, and as long as I can physically and mentally continue on, then that’s what I’m going to do.”

Her path into nursing began in her youth. After graduating high school in 1978, she attended the University of Central Arkansas and worked in a nursing home as a certified nursing assistant. Originally thinking she might become an attorney, she later shifted toward nursing, eventually attending what is now the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton.

Through a personal tragedy, Kirkemier found healing and renewed purpose through serving others.

“I really prayed hard about what I [could] do,” she said. “And I felt like this was the perfect opportunity because I could think about and care for other people. In turn, they loved me back. Long-term care has given me more friendships, love and caring than I could have ever given them.”

That spirit still defines her leadership today. At Superior Health & Rehab, she’s known for making resident life joyful and engaging, including beloved community events like the annual Easter Eggstravaganza as well as celebrations such as a Valentine’s Day party and the Mr. and Ms. Superior pageant. These gatherings bring families into the facility and reinforce the idea that nursing homes can be places filled with life, laughter and connection. Residents can invite grandchildren, nieces and nephews, making the facility feel less like an institution and more like a neighborhood.

Over the years, Kirkemier has earned notable recognition, including being an Administrator of the Year finalist, receiving an Arkansas Nurses Association nurse leader award and helping lead Superior to a National Quality Bronze Award. But what motivates her most is not the accolades, it’s the people.

“I’ve absolutely loved and dedicated my life to serving others in long-term care,” she said. “That’s what I really want to be remembered for.”

While Kirkemier radiates outgoing enthusiasm, Robbins brings a quieter but equally powerful leadership presence. The administrator of Briarwood Nursing & Rehab in Little Rock has worked at the facility for nearly 42 years and has served as administrator for 37 of those.

Robbins never intended to build her career in long-term care. After nursing school, she expected to become a surgical nurse, but a hiring freeze at a regional hospital changed her course. She took a position at Briarwood as director of nurses, and when the hospital eventually called her back, she couldn’t bring herself to leave.

“I decided I didn’t want to leave,” she said. “I loved it so much, and I’ve never once thought about leaving.”

Long-term care runs deep in her family. Her grandmother was an administrator of a nursing and rehabilitation home, and Robbins herself followed in the footsteps of her mother, who served as Briarwood’s administrator before her. Now, her daughter, Brooke Martin, is preparing to become the next administrator, creating a remarkable three-generation legacy at the same facility.

Robbins said the heart of Briarwood has always remained the same, even as the industry has changed drastically over the years.“It hasn’t changed how it operates and how it runs, and our relationship with staff and residents hasn’t changed,” she said. “What’s changed is the survey process and things. Other than that, I’ve always run it a lot like my mother taught me.”

That continuity is not just found in leadership. Robbins says Briarwood’s strength is built on staff longevity, often spanning generations.

“I’m on third-generation residents and staff,” she explained. “I’m now taking care of some of the people that were grandchildren to my first patients.”

Though she admits she dislikes attention and prefers to stay behind the scenes, Robbins understands that her long-term dedication speaks volumes, not only about her leadership, but also about her belief in the mission of long-term care. She credits the success of Briarwood to the team around her.

She believes respect is the foundation of strong care and strong workplace culture. “I try to learn about my employees so they feel like human beings,” she said. “We’re very much like a family here. When something happens, it happens to all of us.”

Lance Stack, director of operations with Nursing Consultants, Inc., says the longevity of both women is extraordinary, especially in an industry known for rapid turnover.

“The average turnover rate for long-term care administrators in Arkansas is about 50 percent, with the average administrator only lasting two years at a facility,” he said. “The fact these two women have made it over 40 years in one place speaks to their dedication and devotion to their residents and team members.”

Stack believes the impact of Kirkemier and Robbins extends far beyond their buildings. “It is hard to deny, based on any metric, that Joan and Vickey are two of the best long-term care administrators in our state,” he said. “Their buildings for decades have continually been some of the best-performing homes in reputation, outcomes and operations.

“Ask anyone who knows long-term care or skilled care, from hospitals to residents, and they will tell you Briarwood Nursing & Rehab and Superior Health & Rehab are two of the most sought-after facilities to rehab or live,” Stack said.

While he described Robbins as a “strong and stern leader,” Stack said her motivation is rooted in excellence and deep care.

“Joan never wants her facility to be second to anyone, whether that be in care, food or staff,” he said. “She has built Briarwood into a great example of what quality care looks like in a nursing home.”

As for Kirkemier, Stack said her work ethic is just as strong today as it was decades ago. “Often when someone heads into the twilight of their career, you wouldn’t blame them for starting to phone it in a bit. But that’s not Vickey,” he said. “Even today, Vickey continues to be one of the hardest-working and engaged administrators I know. She knows anything and everything about her facility and its people.”