I was faculty at a University and I still find the word Academic to be negative connotation and was an inaccurate statement on Racket

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.