Brogdon was terminated last month and the investigation into her conduct is ongoing. An MSU spokesperson has suggested that the events are not connected.

The previously unreported communications further contextualize — and perhaps even corroborate — some of the allegations MSU is currently investigating.

Other records show how Brogdon instructed a junior staffer to improperly pull specific employee files and delete evidence of that task. But, the assertion that this was done at the behest of then-Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar and the university's presidential search committee is murkier. It was only alleged in a whistleblower complaint submitted to MSU.

These new emails show that Vassar asked Denno to contact Brogdon and discuss matters relating to the search just before the records-snooping.

What those discussions entailed is unclear, as the conversations quickly moved from written emails to phone calls on their personal cell-phones.

Denno and Brogdon first exchanged emails in March of 2023, according to records of their communications obtained by The State News through public records requests.

"I had a great conversation with Dr. Rema and she suggested I reach out to you regarding the MSU Prez Search Committee," Denno wrote, before asking to set up a meeting.

"I look forward to our partnership on the presidential search," Brogdon replied, before listing times for a meeting.

Denno wrote back requesting alternate times, before saying “I wonder if we should (redacted)." MSU's Freedom of Information Act Office explained the redaction by citing exemptions in Michigan's public records laws covering "private information" and "frank discussions" between public officials.

They next communicated in early April, with Denno writing that he "needs a few minutes" for a "quick call." Brogdon wrote back with a time and Denno quickly confirmed.

About two weeks later, Brogdon instructed a staffer to covertly look through certain employees’ personnel files for "anything derogatory or disciplinary," emails show. It’s unclear whose files were reviewed, as emails show that Brogdon instructed the staffer to delete evidence of her work and be careful to not create anything that could be disclosed under Michigan’s public records laws.

A whistleblower complaint which is being investigated by MSU alleges that the staffer said Brogdon was compiling the information "for Rema (Vassar) and the search committee."

Reached by The State News, Denno declined to answer questions about his discussions with Brogdon and the alleged connection between her request and the search. 

In an email, he repeated the same statement he gave to The State News last month, saying "I do not recall requesting any documents from Christina Brogdon or her team, including any derogatory information."

Denno and Brogdon last communicated in late June of 2023, when he tried to set up a call and asked for her cell phone number.

"I have a question for you re. (sic) the Prez Search Committee," he wrote.