Miss America raises maximum age of competitors to 25: Pageant makes first major rule change since the vulgar email scandal as part of sweeping reforms that could also see the end of the swimsuit competition

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The Miss America organization is raising the maximum age of contestants from 24 to 25.

A spokeswoman told The Press of Atlantic City that the change takes effect with this year's contests. 

It's the first change to pageant rules since former Fox News Channel anchor and 1989 Miss America Gretchen Carlson became chairwoman of the organization's board of directors.

The Miss America organization is raising the maximum age of contestants from 24 to 25

Carlson has already hinted at major reform for the pageant, including the removal of the swimwear portion of the competition. 

Spokeswoman Chelsea Mineur said Miss America officials drafted the new rule. 

It's meant to allow more young women pursuing advanced degrees to benefit from the program.

Carlson was named chairwoman on New Year's Day. 

That came less than two weeks after leaked emails surfaced showing CEO Sam Haskell and others disparaging the appearance and intellect of former Miss Americas.

Haskell resigned Dec. 23. Most of the previous board members also have resigned. 

It's the first change to pageant rules since former Fox News Channel anchor and 1989 Miss America Gretchen Carlson (left in October and right during her pageant win) became chairwoman of the organization's board of directors

Carlson has already hinted at major reform for the pageant, including the removal of the swimwear portion of the competition. She is pictured in 1989