UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 14, 2016

Unit Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	1-9260	73-1283193
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

8200 South Unit Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma	74132
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (918) 493-7700

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Section 5 - Corporate Governance and Management.

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On December 14, 2016, John G. Nikkel informed the Board of Directors of Unit Corporation (the “Company”), that he is retiring as a director and chairman of the board effective December 31, 2016. Mr. Nikkel’s decision to retire did not involve any disagreement with the Company, Company management, or the Board on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices.

J. Michael Adcock, a current director, has been selected to serve as chairman of the board.

Section 7 - Regulation FD

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

On December 19, 2016, the Company issued a press release announcing the retirement of Mr. John Nikkel as a director and chairman of the board of the Company effective December 31, 2016. The information included in this report and in exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in the filing.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

99.1 Press release dated December 19, 2016

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	Unit Corporation
Date: December 19, 2016	By:	/s/ Mark E. Schell
		Mark E. Schell Senior Vice President and General Counsel

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 Press release dated December 19, 2016