University of California Regent John J. Moores has resigned from his post, effective immediately.

In a press release issued yesterday afternoon, the UC Office of the President announced that Moores had withdrawn from his position. The release did not specify a reason for the departure.

Moores’ resignation comes just before today’s regents meeting at UC Los Angeles. He was appointed to his position in 1999 by former Gov. Gray Davis to a term that was set to expire exactly one decade later.

During his tenure, Moores gained a reputation for disagreeing with the other 26 members of the board – a group that is tasked with the governance of the University.

In one instance, during a June regents meeting held at UCSB, Moores raised objections to proposed professor salary increases. He stated that doing so was potentially shortsighted, criticizing what he said were overly optimistic budget projections used to justify the raises.

“It’s still not clear to me where this money will come from,” Moores said. “You’ve found money for one year … but how will we get through the hard times?”

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will appoint a replacement, who will serve as a regent for the remainder of Moores’ term. Moores is a San Diego resident and chairman of the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. Additionally, he is chairman of JMI Services Inc., a firm which pursues investments in real estate, sports management and technology.