Chancellor Neighsay was once a Captain on the borders.
His experiences led him to believe in militaristic approach to education and to be weary of other creatures.
Despite that he was also an extremely heroic soldier who got the Medal of Honor and Purple Hearts defending fellow soldiers from dragons.
His greatest contribution was his insistence on meritocracy instead of favors for priveledged individuals.
But he also was strict in his education. Too strict. Twilight almost failed because the curriculum was flawed and didn’t account for certain types of learners.
But he redeemed himself later on. And in Ending of the End, being that he was a commander, led the army against the Tirek, Cozy Glow and Chrysalis.
I think he could have an interesting backstory and I never believed him to be pure evil.