Collegiate Commons Inc.
Collegiate Commons Inc., the publisher of The Indiana Commons, is a 501(c)(3) news and educational organization dedicated to promoting civic engagement. It is headquartered in Beech Grove, Indiana.
Our logo emphasizes our belief in the importance of the community. The torch on Indiana’s flag, which represents the civic virtues of liberty and enlightenment, is carried by a pelican, which is a historically Christian symbol that represents the virtue of self-sacrifice.
Both provide life and spirit to the local community, which part of our name, the commons – land historically shared by the community and utilized for the common good – points towards.
The Indiana Commons
The Indiana Commons began as The Collegiate Commons in the Summer of 2023. It took on the legacy of a long history of student journalism at IUPUI, now Indiana University-Indianapolis, and immediately joined the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s Collegiate Network. It focused heavily on hard-hitting investigative work to inform students and parents about higher education institutions in Indianapolis and across the state.
It took on the name The Indiana Commons in 2024, along with a broader mission. The fundamental goal of promoting civic virtue and revitalizing community institutions remains the same, but the community institutions it focuses on now extend beyond the borders of the university.
In 2025, The Indiana Commons relocated to Beech Grove and renewed its commitment to covering local government and higher education, aiming to empower residents to take an active role in their communities.
You can help support our mission today by donating here.
Our Staff
Jacob Buehrer
General Editor; Media Editor, The Indiana Commons
Host, The Jacob Buehrer Show
Jacob Buehrer is a media and communications professional with experience in several offices in state government. On the side, he has had the opportunity to interview celebrities from across the United States.
Stella Ross
Social Media Editor, The Indiana Commons
Stella Ross is a political communications professional, having worked for both the Indiana Republican Party and College Republicans.
Eric Reingardt
Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Renter
Economics Editor, The Indiana Commons
Eric Reinhardt is a marketing and communications professional with experience promoting economic development as a marketing coordinator for Aspire Economic Development + Chamber Alliance.
Mel Barrozo
Reporter and Columnist, The Indiana Commons
Melanie Barrozo is a 28-year-old wife and mother to two amazing kids. She is a behavioral technician for children diagnosed with autism and feels passionate about serving families and sharing experiences that can help others reach their highest potential.
Melanie Lyon
Maternal & Infant Health and Philanthropy Reporter, The Indiana Commons
Melanie Lyon is the executive director and co-founder of the Indiana pro-life nonprofit, Voices for Life. She lives in South Bend, Indiana with her husband, son, and four cats.
Maria Thomas
Copy-editor, The Indiana Commons
Maria Thomas is a marketing and communications professional with leadership experience in a variety of community nonprofits as well as Fortune 500 companies.
Rachel Cooper
Investigative reporter, The Indiana Commons
Rachel Cooper is a nonprofit leadership professional with a passion for Christian ministry and sign language interpreting.
Caleb Manring
Contributor, The Indiana Commons
Caleb Manring is a biomedical engineering graduate with experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and healthcare.
Mike Vick
National Contributor, The Indiana Commons
Mike Vick is a political communications specialist, field organizer and journalist also working for the Chicago Civic Update.