Public records show Michigan State University terminated its former top human resources administrator, Christina Brogdon, adding some clarity to a departure the institution has said little about.
The revelation comes following State News reporting in March that MSU is investigating a whistleblower complaint against Brogdon that alleged she sought to covertly compile "derogatory information" in the personnel files of high-ranking MSU employees.
Internal communications obtained by The State News have corroborated elements of that complaint, showing Brogdon instructed a junior staffer to improperly pull specific employee files, delete evidence she had done so, and keep her direct superior in the dark about that work.
The complaint also alleged that Brogdon assigned the task at the behest of then-Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar and the university's presidential search committee, which was just underway, though Vassar has denied any connection.
The university has previously declined to say whether Brogdon’s departure was a resignation or termination, but records obtained by The State News through a Freedom of Information Act request confirm the latter.
"This letter is to inform you that consistent with the terms and conditions of your appointment as an executive manager, your appointment is being terminated with Michigan State University," wrote Executive Vice President for Administration Vennie Gore to Brogdon on March 3.
The letter said that Brogdon’s last day of work at MSU would be March 3 — the same day the termination letter was sent.
Brogdon’s contract contained an "at-will" clause, meaning she could be terminated "at any time without notice or cause," the letter said. It continued that she would stay on MSU payroll and receive university health benefits through June 3, and that she would be compensated for unused vacation time.
Despite confirmation that MSU did, in fact, terminate Brogdon, the reasons for why are still unclear: MSU spokesperson Amber McCann said in an emailed statement to The State News "Ms. Brogdon’s departure is a personnel matter, and the university does not comment on personnel matters."
McCann suggested the termination was not related to the allegations contained in the whistleblower complaint against Brogdon that are now being investigated by the university’s Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance.
