As an academic, it makes me very sad to hear these qualities, that I feel describe my work, used as the opposite of 'academic'.
Define - Academic
1. c: very learned but inexperienced in practical matters 1. d: based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning 3. a: theoretical, speculative 3. b: having no practical or useful significance
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academic
Couldn't find a positive way to spin Academic as used by the article.
Agreed!—but the use of the term 'academic' in this way suggests it's a universal experience. (I've never heard anyone use 'academic' to mean exciting and invigourating intellectual exploration!) I don't argue with it, as I know that's the way language goes; it just makes me sad, and, I imagine, shapes the expectations, and then to some extent even the experiences, of my students.